In a time of great reverence and harmony, two skilled singers, known as Kuśīlavas, filled the air with their melodious voices, singing sweetly and passionately. Their enchanting performance caught the attention of esteemed sages, renowned for their austerity, who praised the beauty of their song. As the two continued to sing with even greater fervor and extraordinary sweetness, one delighted sage, moved by their artistry, offered them a water pot, while another, equally pleased, gifted them bark garments. The generosity flowed, as more sages approached, each bestowing gifts upon the singers: a black antelope skin, a sacred thread, a girdle of muñja grass, a staff, and a loincloth. The gifts continued to pour forth; one sage presented them with an axe, another with ochre robes, and yet another with a garment of bark. Joy filled the gathering as one sage offered a matted hair band and a wooden rope, while others contributed ritual vessels and a bundle of firewood. Among the gifts was a staff made of udumbara wood, and amidst this generous outpouring, blessings were pronounced by the truth-speaking sages, who joyfully wished for the singers’ long lives. They proclaimed, “This wondrous tale has been proclaimed by the sage,” recognizing the supreme foundation of poets that was being created in that moment. The song, rich in meaning and expression, brought long life and strength, delighting all who heard it. The two singers, praised wherever they went, found themselves in the presence of Bharata’s elder brother, who, upon seeing them on the streets and royal roads, invited them to his home. There, Rāma, the destroyer of enemies, honored the two brothers, who were worthy of such respect. Seated upon a divine golden throne, Rāma paid homage to them, surrounded by his counselors and brothers. He observed their handsome forms and well-mannered dispositions, and turning to Lakṣmaṇa, Śatrughna, and Bharata, he said, “Let this story of these two, radiant as gods, be heard.” Encouraged by Rāma’s words, the singers began to perform, their song resonating with perfect harmony of strings and rhythm. They sang from their hearts, conveying deep meaning, and their melody delighted every listener in the assembly. Rāma, absorbed in the performance, felt the desire to listen grow within him. Their tale, reflecting the marks of royal birth and the essence of great austerity, was wondrous, prompting all present to lean in closer, eager to hear of their mighty deeds. Thus, the narrative unfolds, leading to the fifth chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, where the story of the earth, once ruled by victorious kings, begins. Among these kings was Sagara, who had dug the ocean, surrounded by his sixty thousand sons as they journeyed forth. From the noble line of the Ikṣvāku dynasty arose this great tale known as the Rāmāyaṇa, a story to be recounted with righteousness, desire, and wealth, free from envy. In this grand narrative, we find the city of Ayodhyā, renowned throughout the world, built by Manu, the lord of men. This splendid city stretched twelve yojanas in length and three in breadth, adorned with well-divided main roads and a royal thoroughfare, always fresh with flowers and sprinkled with water. King Daśaratha, the increaser of his great realm, resided in this city, much like the lord of the gods in heaven. Ayodhyā was furnished with gates and archways, bustling marketplaces filled with artisans, and the vibrant sounds of charioteers and bards. Its splendor was unmatched, with tall mansions and banners, surrounded by troupes of dancers and actresses, gardens, and mango groves. The city was fortified with deep moats, making it difficult for enemies to approach, and it thrived with horses, elephants, cattle, camels, and donkeys. Encircled by vassal kings paying tribute, Ayodhyā shone with palaces adorned with jewels, like mountains, and was filled with lofty mansions that resembled Amarāvatī, the city of Indra. It was splendidly laid out, filled with noble women and every kind of jewel, showcasing celestial mansions. Within this supreme abode, the sounds of drums, mridangas, veenas, and panavas resounded, creating an atmosphere of celebration. The city was home to warriors skilled in archery, capable of striking targets near and far, and slayers of fierce beasts in the forest, armed with sharp weapons and the strength of their arms. King Daśaratha, with an army of thousands of chariot-warriors, filled this magnificent city, setting the stage for the unfolding tale of valor, love, and destiny.