The hero returned to his own city, bringing joy to his father. With Bharata having departed, Rama and the mighty Lakshmana remained behind. At this time, both brothers devoted themselves to honoring their father, treating him as one would a god. They placed his commands above all else and diligently carried out the responsibilities owed to the citizens of the realm. Rama, in particular, performed every act that was pleasing and beneficial. He fulfilled his duties toward his mothers with the greatest care and restraint. At the proper times, he attended to the obligations owed to his teachers. Because of this, King Dasharatha was deeply pleased, as were the Brahmins and all the townsfolk. Due to Rama’s noble character and conduct, the people of the kingdom were filled with delight. Steadfast in truth and valor, Rama’s fame spread throughout the land. In virtue, he became the foremost among all beings, much like the self-born creator himself. Together with Sita, his beloved wife, he enjoyed many passing seasons in happiness. Rama’s heart and mind were constantly fixed upon Sita, who had been chosen for him by his father. Sita, the cherished daughter of Janaka, was dearer to Rama than anything else. Because of her virtues and beauty, the affection between them only grew stronger, and Rama held an even greater place in Sita’s heart. Their love was so profound that even unspoken thoughts seemed to pass between them, heart speaking to heart. Sita, the noble Maithili, was radiant in her beauty, equal to the gods themselves, shining like the very embodiment of fortune. In union with her, Rama, the son of the royal sage, was filled with joy and shone with great splendor—like Vishnu himself, radiant with fortune and happiness. Listen now to the beginning of the next chapter. Rama remained there with his brother, both honored and respected. They were cherished by their maternal uncle, the lord of horses, who loved them as his own sons. While residing in that place, the two heroic brothers enjoyed every comfort, yet their thoughts often turned with longing to their aged father, King Dasharatha. King Dasharatha, mighty and resplendent, likewise remembered his two sons, Bharata and Shatrughna, who were away from him. Both were as noble as Indra and Varuna. All four of his sons—Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna—were supremely dear to him, as if they were four arms springing from his very being. Among them, Rama, radiant in his brilliance, was the delight of his father’s heart. Like the self-born creator among living beings, Rama stood out as the most virtuous. For, at the request of the gods who sought the destruction of Ravana, the eternal Vishnu himself had been born into the world of men as Rama. Kausalya, Rama’s mother, shone with the glory of her son of immeasurable brilliance, just as Aditi, the foremost among goddesses, shone with her son, the wielder of the thunderbolt. Rama was endowed with beauty, strength, and humility, unmatched by any on earth. His virtues reflected those of Dasharatha himself. He was always calm in mind and spoke gently before all others. Even when harsh words were spoken to him, he never responded in kind. Rama was easily satisfied by a single act of kindness and, reflecting upon himself, never remembered even a hundred wrongs done to him. He regularly sought the company of virtuous elders, those advanced in character, wisdom, and age, even among the most skilled warriors. Wise, sweet-spoken, and always speaking first, his words were pleasant and powerful, yet he never boasted of his great strength. Never did he utter an untruth. Learned and respectful toward elders, he was beloved by the people—and they, in turn, loved him deeply. Compassionate and master of his anger, he honored the Brahmins and showed mercy to the distressed. Knowledgeable in dharma, he was always self-controlled and pure. With a mind worthy of his royal lineage, Rama held the kshatriya’s duty in the highest regard and cherished its heavenly rewards. He took no delight in anything inauspicious, nor in discordant speech. His words were always reasoned and well-ordered, befitting a master of speech. Healthy, youthful, eloquent, and handsome, he understood the proper place and time for every action. Recognized as the best among men, Rama was singular in virtue. Endowed with the highest qualities, the prince was as dear to the people as the very breath they drew. Having mastered all disciplines and vows, and knowing the Vedas and their branches thoroughly, Rama surpassed even his father in archery. Of noble birth and virtue, never distressed, truthful and upright, he had been well-trained by elders and by twice-born men who understood both dharma and the ways of wealth. He understood the essence of dharma, desire, and prosperity, possessing keen memory and intelligence. Skilled in worldly customs and expert in proper conduct, Rama was quiet and reserved in appearance, secretive in his counsel, and well-supported by loyal companions. His anger and joy were never wasted, and he knew the proper times for renunciation and restraint. Firm in devotion and steady in wisdom, he never accepted falsehood, nor was he harsh in speech. Tireless and vigilant, he was ever aware of his own faults and those of others. Learned in the scriptures, grateful, and discerning of the nature of men, Rama was skilled in both restraint and favor, always acting justly and wisely. He excelled in gathering and supporting the virtuous, in assigning positions, and in imposing necessary discipline. He knew how to acquire wealth and was mindful of expenditures and their proper use. Rama had attained excellence in all branches of weaponry, both pure and composite, upholding both wealth and righteousness. He pursued happiness and was never idle. He understood the divisions of practical arts and crafts and was skilled in training and managing elephants and horses. Foremost among those who knew the science of archery, he was esteemed as a great chariot-warrior. He was adept in attack, combat, and the arrangement of armies. In battle, he was invincible—even to the enraged gods and demons. Rama was free from envy, had mastered his anger, and was neither arrogant nor jealous. Thus, Rama shone as the embodiment of all virtues, beloved by his family and his people, and renowned throughout the world.