At that time, Rama and his brothers honored their father, King Dasharatha, regarding him as a god upon earth. Placing his commands above all else, they diligently carried out every duty expected of citizens. Rama, in particular, performed all that was pleasing and beneficial, fulfilling his responsibilities toward his mothers with utmost restraint and respect. He attended to his teachers at the proper times, never neglecting the obligations owed to them. This conduct brought great joy to Dasharatha, as well as to the Brahmins and all the people of the city. Because of Rama’s noble character and exemplary behavior, the entire realm rejoiced in him. He stood steadfast in truth and valor, gaining renown among all. In virtue, he was unmatched among beings, shining like the self-born creator himself. With Sita by his side, he enjoyed many seasons of happiness. His mind was ever thoughtful, fixed upon Sita, who dwelled in his heart. Sita, beloved to Rama and chosen for him by his father, was a wife of rare virtues and beauty. As their affection deepened, Sita’s love for Rama grew ever stronger, and Rama held a place in her heart twice as great as any other. Between them, even what was hidden became known, as their hearts spoke directly to one another. For Rama, Sita—the Maithili princess, daughter of Janaka, radiant and godlike—was fortune itself personified. United with her, the royal sage’s son was filled with joy and shone with a brilliance like Vishnu, lord of immortals, radiant with prosperity. Now, listen as the next chapter unfolds. Rama remained there with his brother, honored and cherished by his maternal uncle, the lord of horses, who loved him as a son. While residing in his uncle’s home, the two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, were freely gratified in all things. Yet, even in their happiness, their thoughts often turned to the aged King Dasharatha, whom they remembered with love and respect. Likewise, the mighty king, resplendent in his glory, frequently remembered his two sons, Bharata and Shatrughna, who were away, and who were as splendid as Indra and Varuna. To Dasharatha, all four of his sons—Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna—were supremely dear, as if they were his very own four arms. Among them, Rama, radiant with virtue, was the delight of his father, excelling in righteousness like the self-born creator among beings. For, at the request of the gods who sought the destruction of Ravana, the eternal Vishnu himself was born among men as Rama. Kausalya, Rama’s mother, shone with the glory of her son of immeasurable brilliance, just as Aditi shines with Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt. Rama was endowed with beauty, strength, and modesty—unrivaled on earth, and possessing virtues that matched those of Dasharatha himself. He was always calm in mind and gentle in speech, and even when harsh words were spoken to him, he never responded in kind. Content with even a single act of kindness, Rama harbored no memory of a hundred wrongs done to him. He continually engaged in conversation with elders of virtue, wisdom, and age—even those skilled in weapons—always eager to learn. Wise, sweet-spoken, and pleasant in speech, he was powerful but never amazed by his own strength. Rama never uttered a falsehood. He was learned, honored his elders, was beloved by the people, and in turn, loved them deeply. He was compassionate, masterful over anger, honored Brahmins, showed mercy to the distressed, was knowledgeable in dharma, always self-controlled and pure. With a mind worthy of his royal lineage, he held the kshatriya’s duty in high esteem and cherished its heavenly rewards. He took no delight in anything inauspicious, nor in discordant words. His speech was always thoughtful and reasoned, as befits a master of words. Healthy, youthful, eloquent, and handsome, he knew the proper time and place for all things, and was recognized as the best among men—a singularly virtuous soul. Endowed with the highest virtues, Rama was as dear to the people as the very breath of life. He had mastered all disciplines and vows, was thoroughly versed in the Vedas and their branches, and surpassed even his father in the skill of archery. Noble by birth, virtuous, undisturbed, truthful, and upright, he was well-trained by elders and twice-born teachers in both dharma and the ways of wealth. He understood the essence of righteousness, desire, and prosperity, possessed keen memory and intelligence, was skilled in worldly customs, and was an expert in proper conduct. Quiet and reserved in appearance, secret in counsel, and supported by loyal companions, he never wasted his anger or joy, and always knew the right time for renunciation and restraint. Firm in devotion, steady in wisdom, he never accepted falsehood, was never harsh in speech, tireless, vigilant, and ever aware of his own and others’ faults. Learned in the scriptures, grateful, and discerning of the nature of men, Rama was skilled in both restraint and favor, acting always with justice and wisdom. He excelled in gathering and supporting the virtuous, in assigning roles, and in maintaining discipline. He knew how to acquire wealth and how to use it properly. Rama had attained mastery over all branches of weaponry, both pure and composite; upholding both wealth and righteousness, he pursued happiness and was never indolent. He understood the divisions of practical arts and crafts, and was skilled in the training and management of elephants and horses. Foremost among archers, he was esteemed as a great chariot-warrior, adept in attack, combat, and the arrangement of armies. Invincible in battle, even to the enraged gods and demons, Rama was free from envy, had conquered anger, and was never arrogant or jealous. No being would despise him, nor was he subject to the sway of time. Thus, endowed with the highest virtues, Rama, the son of King Dasharatha, stood as the perfect prince among men.