Among the illustrious kings of the Ikṣvāku dynasty was the renowned Sagara, famed for having dug out the very ocean itself. As he journeyed, he was surrounded by his sixty thousand sons—a testament to his might and legacy. From this noble lineage of great-hearted monarchs arose the wondrous tale that has come to be known as the Rāmāyaṇa, a story that shines forth in the world. Now, let us recount this sacred narrative from the very beginning, a tale woven with the threads of righteousness, desire, and wealth—a story to be heard with a pure heart, free from envy. Long ago, there stood a city famed throughout the world: Ayodhyā. This glorious city had been built by Manu, the lord of men, and its fame was unmatched. Ayodhyā stretched twelve yojanas in length and three in breadth, with main roads meticulously laid out, dividing the city with perfect order. The city was adorned with a grand royal road, carefully constructed, ever fresh with flowers and sprinkled with cool water. Within its bounds dwelled King Daśaratha, the great enhancer of his realm, ruling as the lord of the gods himself might reign in heaven. Ayodhyā was fortified with majestic gates and archways, and its marketplaces were thoughtfully divided. The city bustled with every manner of artisan, filled with machines and weapons of all kinds. Charioteers and bards crowded the streets, and the city’s splendor was unmatched—lofty mansions rose high, adorned with banners and guarded by hundreds of engines of war. All around, troupes of actresses and dancers added to the city’s charm, while gardens and lush mango groves flourished, encircled by a great belt of śāla trees. Deep, fortified moats made Ayodhyā difficult for enemies to approach, and its grounds teemed with horses, elephants, cattle, camels, and donkeys. Assemblies of vassal kings paid tribute at its borders, and merchants from distant lands brought their wealth to its markets. Palaces adorned with jewels sparkled like mountains, and the city’s lofty mansions made it resemble Amarāvatī, the heavenly city of Indra. Ayodhyā’s layout was resplendent, shaped like a chessboard, filled with noble women, crowded with every kind of jewel, and adorned with celestial mansions. Its foundations were deep and unbroken, built on level ground, and its granaries overflowed with rice and barley, while sweet water—flavored by sugarcane—abounded. The city resounded with the music of drums, mṛdaṅgas, vīṇās, and paṇavas, echoing across the earth. Its dwellings, well-arranged and filled with noble men, were like the celestial palaces attained by the Siddhas through their austerities in heaven. Within Ayodhyā lived warriors who never missed their mark, whether shooting arrows at distant or close targets. They were skilled in striking by sound, with light hands and great expertise. These heroes slew roaring lions, tigers, and wild boars in the forest, wielding sharp weapons and the strength of their arms. King Daśaratha filled his city with thousands of such mighty chariot-warriors. The city was further protected by virtuous, eminent twice-borns—brāhmaṇas—who shone like fire, masters of the six branches of the Vedas, and by thousands of great souls devoted to truth. Sages, pure ascetics, and those resembling great ṛṣis dwelled there in abundance. Now, the sixth section of this glorious Rāmāyaṇa, as told in the Bāla Kāṇḍa, reveals more of this wondrous city. In Ayodhyā lived a king learned in the Vedas, possessing all knowledge, farsighted, and radiant—beloved by both the citizens and the country folk. Among the Ikṣvākus, he was a mighty charioteer, a master of sacrifice, ever devoted to righteousness, self-controlled, and renowned throughout the three worlds as a royal sage, equal to the greatest ṛṣis. Strong and a destroyer of enemies, he was friendly, a master of his senses, and in wealth and treasures, he rivaled both Indra and Kubera. Just as Manu, of great brilliance, was the protector of the world, so too was King Daśaratha the true guardian of his people. Through his truthful resolve and his observance of the threefold aim of life—dharma, artha, and kāma—he governed Ayodhyā as Indra rules Amarāvatī. In that foremost city, there was no one who lacked wealth. Every householder was accomplished, possessing cows, horses, riches, and grain. None were greedy or miserly, nor could a cruel man be found in Ayodhyā; there was no one ignorant or atheistic. All men and women followed righteous conduct, were well-disciplined, joyful in character, and pure as great sages. None were without earrings, crowns, or garlands; none lacked enjoyment, cleanliness, or fragrance. No one ate unclean food, nor was there a non-giver; all adorned themselves with armlets, necklaces, and hand ornaments, and all practiced self-control. None neglected the sacred fires or failed to perform sacrifices; there was no miser, no thief, no one of bad conduct, and no one of mixed caste. The brāhmaṇas were ever devoted to their duties, had mastered their senses, practiced charity and study, and were restrained in accepting gifts. There was no atheist, no liar, no one lacking in learning, no one envious, no one incapable, and nowhere was there an unwise person. All were learned in the six branches of knowledge, kept their vows, gave generously, and none were poor, disturbed in mind, or afflicted. No man or woman in Ayodhyā was without fortune or beauty, nor was there anyone lacking devotion to the king. Among the higher three castes, all worshipped the gods and honored guests, were grateful, generous, heroic, and endowed with valor. The people lived long and virtuous lives, devoted to righteousness and truth, always surrounded by their sons, grandsons, and wives in that blessed city. The kṣatriyas supported the brāhmaṇas, the vaiśyas were devoted to the kṣatriyas, and the śūdras diligently performed their own duties, serving the three higher castes. Thus, Ayodhyā flourished—a city of righteousness, prosperity, and joy, governed by the noble King Daśaratha, a beacon of dharma in the world.