By the grace of the wise Lord of gods, the great God himself bore Gaṅgā upon his head, his locks adorned with the crescent moon. In the lineage of Nābhāga, his heir was Sindhudvīpa, whose son was Saudāsa, renowned in the world as Kalmāṣapāda. Saudāsa begot Aśmaka, who became the shining banner of the Ikṣvāku dynasty. This king, greatly troubled, fled into the forest, compelled by his fear of Rāma. From Aśmaka was born the illustrious Bilibili, whose son was Vṛddhaśarmā. Vṛddhaśarmā’s son was Dīrghabāhu, and from him was born Raghu. In this noble line was born Rāma, son of Daśaratha, famed throughout the world and a knower of righteousness. For the destruction of Rāvaṇa, Viṣṇu, creator of the universe, took birth in part as Rāma. Sītā, celebrated in all three worlds for her virtue and generosity, was given by Janaka to Rāma, who became her husband. For the destruction of his enemies, Janaka also presented the wondrous bow, declaring before all: “Whether god or demon, he who wins Sītā is worthy.” Rāma approached, and with effortless might, broke the bow and took it up. Thus, Rāma, supremely righteous, shone like Kārttikeya at the head of his army. Daśaratha, Rāma’s father, prepared to install his heroic eldest son as king. But his queen, her mind troubled, restrained her husband and spoke, reminding him of a boon he had once promised her. Rāma, ever righteous, replied, “So be it,” and, keeping his word, departed to the forest with his wife Sītā, after making an agreement. The wise Rāma dwelled there with Lakṣmaṇa, his devoted brother. But in the guise of an ascetic, Rāvaṇa carried Sītā away to his own city. Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, those slayers of enemies, were overcome with grief and sorrow. In their quest, a friendship blossomed between Rāma, pure in his deeds, and the monkeys. Among them, the mighty Hanuman, son of the wind-god, was especially dear to Rāma. Hanuman declared, “I will bring Sītā back,” and set out in search of her. Crossing the ocean, he reached Rāvaṇa’s city of Laṅkā. There he found Sītā, spotless and steadfast, surrounded by demonesses. To comfort her, he spoke of Rāma, dark as a blue lotus, and Lakṣmaṇa, unshaken in resolve. For her assurance, he gave her Rāma’s ring. Her eyes widened with joy, and she believed that Rāma had come for her. Hanuman assured her, “The mighty-armed Rāma will bring you back,” and departed. Returning, he stood before Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, honored by their gratitude. Lakṣmaṇa then resolved to wage battle against the demons. The supremely righteous Rāma built a bridge to Laṅkā, and in the great battle, slew Rāvaṇa. With Hanuman’s help, Rāma brought Sītā back. Rāghava then established the liṅga and worshipped it with devotion. The Lord himself appeared and visibly granted Rāma the highest boon.