The noble princes, ever attentive to their father, continued to serve King Daśaratha with devotion. After some time had passed, the venerable king summoned his son Bharata and spoke with affection, “My dear son, here resides the son of the king of Kekaya—your heroic maternal uncle, Yudhājit. He has come to take you with him.” Hearing these words, Bharata, son of Kaikeyī, prepared to depart. Shatrughna, his devoted brother, resolved to accompany him. Before leaving, the two brothers respectfully took leave of their father and of Rāma, whose actions were ever serene and untroubled. Then, together, Bharata and Shatrughna went to bid farewell to their mothers. Yudhājit, upon meeting his nephews, was filled with great joy. The heroic brothers journeyed to the city of their maternal grandfather, where their arrival brought happiness to their family. Meanwhile, with Bharata and Shatrughna gone, Rāma and the mighty Lakṣmaṇa remained in Ayodhyā. At this time, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa continued to honor their father, Daśaratha, who was revered like a god. Placing their father’s commands above all, they diligently fulfilled every duty required by the citizens. Rāma, in particular, performed every task that was pleasing and beneficial, showing utmost restraint and care in all matters. He honored his mothers as was proper, and at the right times, he attended to his teachers, fulfilling every obligation owed to them. Because of Rāma’s conduct, Daśaratha was deeply pleased, as were the brāhmaṇas and all the townsfolk. Rāma’s character and deeds brought delight to all the people of the realm. Steadfast in truth and valor, he became renowned among the citizens. Among all beings, Rāma shone as the most virtuous, resembling the self-born creator himself. Together with Sītā, his beloved wife, he enjoyed many seasons in happiness. His mind was ever thoughtful and firmly fixed upon her, for Sītā, chosen by his father, was dearest to his heart. Their affection for each other grew ever stronger, drawn by her virtues and beauty. In Sītā’s heart, her husband held a place twice as large as anything else. Between them, nothing was hidden; heart spoke to heart, and especially for Rāma, Sītā—the noble Maithilī, daughter of Janaka, radiant as fortune itself—was a constant source of joy. United with her, Rāma, son of the royal sage, shone with happiness, his radiance like Viṣṇu, lord of immortals, adorned by fortune. Now, listen to the next chapter. In the land of the Kekayas, Bharata and Shatrughna dwelt with their maternal uncle, the lord of horses, who cherished them as his own sons. While they were freely gratified and honored there, the heroic brothers always remembered their aged father, King Daśaratha. Likewise, Daśaratha, mighty in splendor, often remembered his two sons, Bharata and Shatrughna, who were away from him, as dear as Indra and Varuṇa. All four of Daśaratha’s sons were supremely dear to him, as if they were four arms sprung from his own body. Among them, Rāma, radiant and virtuous, was his father’s delight, the most excellent among men, like the self-born creator himself. For, at the request of the gods who desired the destruction of Rāvaṇa, the eternal Viṣṇu had been born among men as Rāma. Kausalyā, Rāma’s mother, shone with the brilliance of her son just as Aditi shines with the wielder of the thunderbolt. Rāma was endowed with beauty, strength, and modesty, unrivaled on earth, and his virtues matched those of Daśaratha himself. Ever calm in mind, he spoke gently first and never responded harshly, even if harsh words were spoken to him. He was easily satisfied with a single act of kindness and, reflecting upon himself, did not remember even a hundred wrongs. He continually sought the company of virtuous elders—those advanced in character, wisdom, and age—even among the skilled warriors. Wise and sweet-spoken, he was always the first to greet others, pleasant in speech, powerful, yet never amazed by his own strength. Rāma never spoke untruth, was learned, honored elders, and was beloved by the people, who loved him in return. Compassionate and masterful over anger, he honored brāhmaṇas, was merciful to the distressed, knowledgeable in dharma, ever self-controlled and pure. With a mind befitting his noble lineage, he highly valued the kṣatriya’s duty, and with great affection considered the heavenly reward of righteousness. He took no delight in anything inauspicious, nor in discordant speech; his words were always reasoned and well-ordered, like those of a master orator. Healthy, youthful, eloquent, and handsome, he knew the right time and place for every action, and was recognized as the best among men, singular in virtue. Endowed with the highest qualities, he was as dear to the people as the vital breath is to the body. Having mastered all disciplines and vows, well-versed in the Vedas and their branches, Rāma surpassed even his father in archery. Of noble birth, virtuous, undisturbed, truthful and upright, he was trained by elders and by twice-born men who understood dharma and wealth. Knowing the essence of dharma, desire, and wealth, possessing memory and intelligence, he was skilled in worldly customs and expert in proper conduct. Rāma was quiet, reserved in appearance, secret in counsel, supported by loyal companions, and never wasted anger or joy. He knew the right time for renunciation and restraint. Firm in devotion, steady in wisdom, never accepting falsehood, never harsh in speech, tireless and vigilant, he was ever aware of his own and others’ faults. Learned in the scriptures, grateful, and discerning of the nature of men, he was skilled in both restraint and favor, acting always with justice and wisdom.