The city of Ayodhyā was a marvel of splendor and vitality, bustling with charioteers and bards who filled its streets with life and song. Its grandeur was unmatched, with towering mansions adorned by fluttering banners, and the city teemed with hundreds of formidable engines of war, attesting to its might and readiness. All around, troupes of talented actresses and dancers brought color and joy to its avenues, while lush gardens and flourishing mango groves breathed freshness into the air. Encircling the city, a great belt of śāla trees stood as a natural fortress. Ayodhyā’s defenses were formidable: deep, fortified moats made it difficult for any adversary to approach. Within its walls, the city was alive with the presence of horses, elephants, cattle, camels, and donkeys, underscoring its prosperity and strength. Vassal kings gathered in respectful assemblies, offering tribute to the sovereign, while merchants from distant lands brought their wares, adding to the city’s wealth and diversity. The palaces of Ayodhyā sparkled with jewels, rising like mountains, and lofty mansions reached toward the heavens, making the city resemble Amarāvatī, the fabled city of Indra himself. Its layout was splendid, arranged like a chessboard, and filled with noble women, every kind of precious jewel, and celestial mansions that shimmered in the sunlight. Ayodhyā was established on level ground, its foundations deep and unbroken. The city was blessed with abundant stores of rice and barley, and its waters were sweetened by the juice of sugarcane. The very earth resounded with the music of drums, mridangas, veenas, and panavas, creating a festive atmosphere that echoed through the city. The dwellings were well-arranged and filled with noble men, reminiscent of the celestial palaces attained by the Siddhas in heaven through their austerities. The city was home to archers who never missed their mark—whether at distant or close targets—skilled in striking by sound, swift and expert with their hands. Warriors of Ayodhyā ventured into the forests, slaying roaring lions, tigers, and wild boars with sharp weapons and the strength of their arms. King Daśaratha filled his city with thousands of such mighty chariot-warriors. Surrounding Ayodhyā were virtuous and eminent twice-borns, masters of the six branches of the Vedas, thousands of great souls devoted to truth, and sages as pure and lofty as the greatest rishis and ascetics. Now, listen to the sixth section of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa. In this radiant city of Ayodhyā lived a king learned in the Vedas, possessing all knowledge, farsighted and of great brilliance, beloved by both the citizens and the country folk. Among the Ikṣvākus, he was a mighty charioteer, a sacrificer devoted to righteousness, self-controlled, and a royal sage renowned throughout the three worlds, his stature like that of a great rishi. He was strong, a destroyer of enemies, friendly, a master of his senses, and in wealth and treasures, he was the equal of Indra and Kubera. Just as Manu of great brilliance once protected the world, so too did King Daśaratha safeguard his realm. By his truthful resolve and his observance of the threefold aim of life, he governed Ayodhyā as Indra governs Amarāvatī. Within this foremost of cities, no one was poor or wanting. Every householder was accomplished, possessing cows, horses, riches, and grain. There was no one desirous or miserly, no cruel man, nor anyone ignorant or atheistic. All men and women were righteous in conduct, well-disciplined, joyful in character and behavior, and pure as great sages. None lacked earrings, crowns, garlands, or enjoyment; all were clean, adorned, and fragrant. No one ate unclean food, nor was there a non-giver. Everyone wore armlets, necklaces, and hand ornaments, and all were self-controlled. In Ayodhyā, no one neglected sacred fires or failed to perform sacrifices; there was no miser, thief, or person of bad conduct, nor anyone of mixed caste. The Brāhmaṇas were always devoted to their duties, having mastered their senses, practicing charity and study, and restrained in accepting gifts. There was no atheist, liar, or person lacking in learning, no one envious, incapable, or unwise. All were versed in the six branches of learning, upheld vows, gave generously, and none were poor, disturbed in mind, or afflicted. All men and women in Ayodhyā were blessed with fortune and beauty, and all were devoted to the king. Among the higher three castes, the people worshipped gods and guests, were grateful, generous, heroic, and endowed with valor. The people lived long lives, devoted to righteousness and truth, always surrounded by their sons, grandsons, and wives in that illustrious city. The kṣatriyas supported the brāhmaṇas, the vaiśyas were devoted to the kṣatriyas, and the śūdras faithfully performed their own duties, serving the three higher castes. The city was well protected by the lord of the Ikṣvāku line, just as it had been in ancient times by Manu, the wise king of men. Ayodhyā was filled with warriors fierce as fire, skilled, gracious, unyielding, and accomplished in their arts, like a cave full of lions. The city was home to the best horses from the lands of the Kāmbojas and Bāhlīkas, as well as excellent forest and river horses. It boasted mighty, intoxicated elephants from the Vindhya mountains and the Himalayas, their strength and size resembling mountains themselves. Among its elephants were those descended from the noble Airāvata and Mahāpadma lineages, and those emerging from the Añjana and Vāmana mountains. The city was also filled with elephants of the bhadra, mandra, mṛga, bhadramandra, bhadramṛga, and mṛgamandra types. Always resounding with the presence of these mighty, intoxicated elephants, Ayodhyā—also known as Satyanāmā—stretched for more than two yojanas, where King Daśaratha dwelled, protecting the world. That great and radiant king Daśaratha ruled Ayodhyā, subduing his enemies and shining among his people like the moon among the stars.