In a time long past, a gathering of revered sages took place, where each one, filled with joy and goodwill, contributed gifts to two ascetic brothers who had journeyed far. One sage presented a vessel of water, while another offered a girdle made of muñja grass. A third sage gifted a sturdy staff, and yet another bestowed a loincloth upon the brothers. The generosity continued as another sage, filled with delight, gave them an axe, while yet another offered ochre robes and a garment crafted from bark. Among the gifts, one sage presented a matted hair band and a wooden rope, and another contributed ritual vessels alongside a bundle of firewood. A staff made of udumbara wood was gifted by yet another, while blessings were pronounced by many, with the great sages joyfully wishing for long lives for the brothers. They spoke of the tales that had been proclaimed, sharing words of wisdom and truth, affirming that this wondrous story had been sung by the sage. This tale, rich in meaning and expression, became the supreme foundation for poets, celebrated and cherished. It was said to bring long life, generate strength, and delight all who listened. As the two singers performed their song, their voices resonated with the essence of their hearts, captivating everyone present. Their melody, harmonious and clear, filled the assembly with joy, as they sang of their noble deeds, revealing the marks of their royal birth and their mastery in both song and austerity. Seated on a divine golden throne, Rāma, the destroyer of enemies, honored the two brothers, acknowledging their worthiness. Surrounded by his counselors and brothers, he observed their handsome forms and well-mannered demeanor. Rāma turned to Lakṣmaṇa, Śatrughna, and Bharata, inviting them to listen to the radiant story of the two brothers. Encouraged by Rāma’s words, the singers began their performance, and Rāma, absorbed in the desire to listen, found himself drawn into their tale. As the story unfolded, it was revealed that the earth once belonged to mighty kings, victorious in battle, starting with Prajāpati. Among these kings was Sagara, who had dug the ocean and was surrounded by sixty thousand sons as he journeyed forth. From the lineage of these great kings of the Ikṣvāku dynasty arose the epic tale known as the Rāmāyaṇa, a story to be recounted with righteousness, desire, and wealth, and to be heard without envy. In this grand narrative, there lay a city called Ayodhyā, famed 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-laid roads and a royal path, always fragrant with fresh flowers and sprinkled with water. King Daśaratha, the increaser of his great realm, resided there, ruling as the lord of the gods dwells in heaven. Ayodhyā was a city of unmatched splendor, filled with gates and archways, bustling marketplaces, and artisans of every kind. It echoed with the sounds of charioteers and bards, and was adorned with tall mansions and fluttering banners. Surrounded by troupes of actresses and dancers, the city was embellished with gardens and mango groves, encircled by a great belt of śāla trees. It was fortified with deep moats, difficult for enemies to approach, and brimming with horses, elephants, cattle, camels, and donkeys. The city shimmered with palaces adorned with jewels, resembling mountains, and was filled with lofty mansions that echoed the beauty of Amarāvatī, the city of Indra. Ayodhyā was a place of prosperity, filled with noble women and adorned with every kind of jewel. It boasted a residence that was deep-rooted and unbroken, established on level ground, filled with rice and barley, and sweetened water from sugarcane stalks. The supreme abode resonated with the sounds of drums, mridangas, veenas, and panavas, like a celestial palace attained through austerity. In this vibrant city, skilled chariot-warriors and slayers of lions, tigers, and wild boars thrived, equipped with sharp weapons and the strength of their arms. King Daśaratha filled the city with thousands of such great warriors, surrounded by virtuous, eminent twice-borns and sages who resembled great rishis and pure ascetics. Thus, the narrative continues, inviting all to hear the tales of valor and righteousness that shaped the world, echoing through the ages in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, where the stories of the past intertwine with the present, inspiring all who listen.