As the joyous wedding celebrations continued, the royal women busied themselves welcoming the new brides into their midst. Among them, Sītā—so greatly fortunate—and the illustrious Urmilā were received with warmth and reverence. The noble ladies of the palace, with auspicious words and offerings, lovingly took both daughters of Kuśadhvaja into their care, adorning them in fine garments befitting their new station. Following the sacred rituals, all the women quickly made their way to worship the shrines of the gods, offering prayers and thanks. At the same time, the royal sons paid their respects to those worthy of honor, fulfilling the duties of propriety and gratitude. With hearts full of joy, the women delighted in the company of their husbands in private, their marriages accomplished. These princes, skilled in arms and surrounded by wealth and friends, brought happiness to their families. The best among men, ever attentive to their father, continued to serve King Daśaratha faithfully. After some time had passed, Daśaratha addressed his son Bharata, the son of Kaikeyī and a delight of the Raghu line. He said, “Dear son, your maternal uncle Yudhājit, the heroic son of the king of Kekaya, has arrived to see you.” Hearing this, Bharata, accompanied by his brother Shatrughna, prepared to depart, taking leave of his father and of Rāma, who was ever serene and steadfast in action. Together, Bharata and Shatrughna went to bid farewell to their mothers. Yudhājit, upon finding both nephews, was greatly pleased. The heroic prince entered his uncle’s city, bringing joy to his father there. With Bharata and Shatrughna departed, Rāma and the mighty Lakṣmaṇa remained in Ayodhyā. At that time, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa honored their father, Daśaratha, as one would honor a god. Placing his commands foremost, they diligently carried out all the duties owed to the citizens of the realm. Rāma performed everything that was pleasing and beneficial, fulfilling his responsibilities to his mothers with utmost restraint and respect. He attended to his teachers at the proper times, earning the satisfaction of Daśaratha, the Brahmins, and the townsfolk alike. Because of Rāma’s noble character and conduct, all the inhabitants of the kingdom were delighted. Rāma, steadfast in truth and valor, became renowned among them, surpassing all others in virtue—like the self-born creator himself. With Sītā by his side, he enjoyed many seasons of happiness. Rāma’s mind was ever thoughtful, fixed upon Sītā, who was placed in his heart as his beloved wife, chosen for him by his father. Her virtues and beauty caused his affection for her to grow ever stronger, and in her heart, her husband occupied twice the place. Between them, even what was hidden was revealed, as their hearts spoke to each other. Sītā, the Maithili princess and radiant daughter of Janaka, shone with a beauty equal to the gods, with a glow like fortune herself. United with Sītā, the noble princess, Rāma, son of the royal sage, was filled with desire and joy. He shone greatly, radiant with happiness, like Viṣṇu himself, lord of immortals, resplendent with fortune. Now, listen to the first chapter. Bharata and Shatrughna stayed in their uncle’s city, honored and respected, cherished by Yudhājit, the lord of horses, who loved them as his own sons. While residing there, the two brothers enjoyed every comfort and gratification, yet their thoughts often turned to their aged father, King Daśaratha. Daśaratha, mighty in splendor, likewise remembered his two sons who were away—Bharata and Shatrughna—who were equal in greatness to Indra and Varuṇa. All four of his sons were dear to him, the best among men, as if they were four arms sprung from his own body. Among them, Rāma, radiant in splendor, was his father’s delight. Like the self-born creator among beings, Rāma became the most virtuous. For, at the request of the gods, who desired the destruction of Rāvaṇa, the eternal Viṣṇu had been born in the world of men. Kausalyā, Rāma’s mother, shone with her son of immeasurable brilliance, just as Aditi, foremost among the gods, shone with the wielder of the thunderbolt. Rāma was endowed with beauty, strength, and modesty, unrivaled on earth, a son whose virtues matched those of Daśaratha. He was always calm in mind and spoke gently first. Even when harsh words were spoken to him, he did not respond in kind. He was satisfied with a single act of kindness and, considering himself, never remembered even a hundred wrongs. Rāma continually conversed with virtuous elders—those advanced in character, wisdom, and age—even among those skilled in weapons. Wise and sweet-spoken, he spoke pleasantly and powerfully, yet was never amazed by his own great strength. He never spoke untruth, was learned, honored his elders, and was beloved by the people, who loved him in return. Compassionate, master of anger, honoring brāhmaṇas, merciful to the distressed, knowledgeable in dharma, always self-controlled and pure. With a mind befitting his royal lineage, Rāma highly valued the kṣatriya duty and, with great affection, considered its heavenly reward. He did not delight in what was not auspicious, nor enjoy discordant speech; his words were always reasoned and well ordered, like those of a master of speech. Healthy, youthful, eloquent, and handsome, he knew place and time and was recognized as the best among men—a singularly virtuous one. Endowed with the highest virtues, the prince was dear to the people, like the vital breath moving outside the body. Having bathed in all disciplines and vows, knowing the Vedas and their branches properly, Rāma, the elder brother of Bharata, even surpassed his father in archery. Of noble birth, virtuous, never distressed, truthful and upright, he was well-trained by elders and by twice-born men who understood dharma and wealth. Thus was Rāma—renowned, beloved, and virtuous—living in Ayodhyā, fulfilling his duties and bringing joy to all around him.