On the sacred banks of the Sarayū River stood a city of divine splendor—Ayodhya—renowned for its supreme beauty. This city flourished in prosperity, teeming with elephants, horses, chariots, and vast infantry. Its quarters were laid out with perfect order, divided into four harmonious sections, each reflecting thoughtful design. Everywhere, Ayodhya was adorned with shimmering ponds, their surfaces brightened by blooming lotuses. The air was alive with melodious music—the gentle strains of the vīṇā, the sweet notes of the flute, and the rhythmic beats of the mṛdaṅga—filling the city with an atmosphere of excellence. Towering śāla, graceful tāla, coconut, jackfruit, and āmalaka trees lined its avenues, while groves of mango, wood-apple, aśoka, and other trees added to its charm. The fragrance of mālatī, jāti, bakula, pāṭalī, nāga, and campaka blossoms mingled with the shade of nimba, jamvīra, kadalī, and mātuliṅga trees, all bearing abundant fruits. Ayodhya was further graced by radiant princes, their brilliance likened to that of the gods. Poets and brahmins, honored and wise as Bṛhaspati himself, gathered in its courts. The city’s stables housed horses as splendid as Uccaiḥśravas and elephants mighty as the guardians of the directions. It was on these very banks that kings of the illustrious solar dynasty were born. Here, the holy waters of the Sarayū flowed, and the air resounded with the songs of bees and birds. The river brimmed with the essence of dharma, its waters pure and life-giving. From the river’s southern tip, the sacred Jahnavi—the river of Hari—emerged, making the Sarayū and the Ganga the two most venerated rivers, revered by the gods themselves. In this hallowed land, the sage Agastya, famed as the pot-born, arrived at Ayodhya. Having reached this sacred city, he undertook the prescribed pilgrimage, worshipping all the deities with proper rites. Fulfilling his purpose and marveling at the greatness of the holy place, Agastya rejoiced. He remained there for three nights, performing the pilgrimage as tradition ordained. As Agastya arrived, radiant and filled with abundant joy, a surge of supreme bliss arose in the heart of the inquirer. Wondering at this, the question was asked: “O Brahman, why has such nourishment of joy arisen within you?” Agastya replied, “O most excellent sage, truly this is a great and wondrous marvel! At this very moment, a flood of joy has arisen within me. The supreme greatness and abundant virtues of the great city of Ayodhya have filled me with awe. Please, tell me in detail the order of pilgrimage, the sacred places, and the proper procedures, O best of speakers.” The reply came: “By your question, the glory of Ayodhya is indeed revealed. The letter ‘A’ is said to be Brahma, and the letter ‘Ya’ is called Vishnu. Even those burdened with the gravest sins—including the killing of a Brahmin and other great offenses—find redemption here. This foremost city of Vishnu, O twice-born, does not even touch the earth. Who can truly describe the greatness of this city, O treasure of austerity? “The city extends from Sahasradhara one yojana to the east. To the south and north, its bounds are the Sarayū up to the river Asā. This city, O Brahmin, is said to have the form of a fish and is declared to be Vishnu’s own. Its head lies to the west at the place called Gopratāra, its rear to the east, and its middle stretches between south and north. Its former glory is well known, and it abides there with preeminence. “O tiger among sages, how did this city become so renowned?” Agastya then spoke: “There was once a foremost Brahmin named Vishnusharman. Always devoted to yoga and meditation, and steadfast in his worship of Vishnu, he came to Ayodhya, believing truly that Vishnu himself dwells in this sacred place.