Rāma, ever attentive and devoted, performed all that was pleasing and beneficial to those around him. Having fulfilled his duties toward his mothers with the utmost care and restraint, he acted in ways that brought joy and well-being to his family. At the proper times, he diligently attended to his teachers, honoring them with the respect they deserved. Because of his conduct, King Daśaratha was deeply pleased, as were the brāhmaṇas and the townsfolk. Rāma’s noble character and virtuous actions delighted all the people of the realm, and his steadfastness in truth and valor made him renowned among them. Among all beings, Rāma shone as the most virtuous, like the self-born Creator himself. With Sītā by his side, he enjoyed many seasons in happiness. His thoughts were always with her, and she was ever cherished in his heart. Sītā, dear to Rāma and chosen as his wife by his father, was the daughter of Janaka, radiant in beauty and virtue. Their mutual affection grew stronger each day, and Sītā’s love for her husband was so deep that Rāma occupied twice the place in her heart. Their hearts spoke to one another, revealing even what was hidden, and Sītā, the Maithilī princess, shone with a radiance like that of fortune herself. United with Sītā, the noble princess, Rāma, son of the royal sage, was filled with joy and desire. Together, they were resplendent, Rāma shining with happiness like Viṣṇu, lord of immortals, radiant with prosperity. Now, listen to the next part of this story. Rāma stayed with his brother, honored and respected, cherished by his maternal uncle—the lord of horses—with the affection of a son. While residing there, both brothers were freely gratified and content, yet their hearts remembered the aged King Daśaratha with longing. The mighty king, too, remembered his two sons, Bharata and Shatrughna, who were away, comparing them to Indra and Varuṇa in greatness. All four sons—Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, Bharata, and Shatrughna—were dear to Daśaratha, as if they were four arms sprung from his own body. Among them, Rāma, radiant in splendor, was his father’s delight, the most virtuous among men, like the self-born creator in excellence. For, at the request of the gods who desired the destruction of Rāvaṇa, the eternal Viṣṇu himself had been born among mortals as Rāma. Kausalyā, his mother, shone with pride and love for her son of immeasurable brilliance, just as Aditi shone with Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt. Rāma was endowed with beauty, strength, and modesty, unmatched by anyone on earth, and his virtues rivaled those of Daśaratha himself. Always calm in mind, he spoke gently first and never responded harshly, even when faced with harsh words. He was easily satisfied by a single act of kindness and, reflecting on himself, did not remember even a hundred wrongs done to him. Ever in the company of virtuous elders—those advanced in character, wisdom, age, and even martial skill—Rāma was wise, sweet-spoken, and always initiated pleasant conversation. Though powerful, he was never amazed by his own strength. He never spoke untruth, was learned, honored his elders, and was beloved by all, earning their love in return. Compassionate and a master of his anger, Rāma honored brāhmaṇas and was merciful to the distressed. He was thoroughly knowledgeable in dharma, always self-controlled and pure. With a mind befitting his noble lineage, he held the kṣatriya duty in the highest regard and cherished its heavenly rewards. He took no delight in what was inauspicious, nor in discordant speech, always choosing well-reasoned words, like a master of eloquence. Healthy, youthful, eloquent, and handsome, he understood time and place, and was recognized as the best among men, singular in virtue. Endowed with the highest qualities, Rāma was as dear to the people as the vital breath is to the body. Having bathed in all disciplines and vows, and knowing the Vedas and their branches properly, Rāma surpassed even his father in the art of archery. Of noble birth, virtuous, undisturbed, truthful, and upright, he was well-trained by elders and twice-born teachers in the ways of dharma and wealth. He understood the essence of dharma, desire, and wealth, possessed keen memory and intelligence, and was skilled in worldly customs and proper conduct. Quiet and reserved in appearance, secretive in counsel, and supported by loyal companions, Rāma never wasted his anger or joy, and always knew the proper time for renunciation and restraint. Firm in devotion, steady in wisdom, he never accepted falsehood or spoke harshly. Tireless, vigilant, and aware of his own and others’ faults, he was learned in the scriptures, grateful, and discerning of the nature of people. He was skilled in both restraint and favor, always acting justly and wisely. Rāma excelled in gathering and supporting the virtuous, assigning positions, and imposing discipline. He knew the means of acquiring wealth and the proper uses of expenditures. He had attained excellence in all branches of weaponry, both pure and composite, upholding wealth and righteousness, always pursuing happiness and never indolent. He understood the divisions of practical arts and crafts and was skilled in the training and management of elephants and horses. Among those who knew the science of archery, Rāma was foremost, 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, Rāma was free from envy, had conquered anger, and was neither arrogant nor jealous. He was not to be despised by any being, nor subject to the sway of time. Thus endowed with the highest virtues was the prince, son of the king. Rāma was esteemed in all three worlds for his forbearance, equal to the earth itself. In wisdom, he was like Bṛhaspati, and in strength, like Indra, lord of Śacī. Thus, Rāma, the jewel of Ikṣvāku’s line, shone as the embodiment of virtue, wisdom, and strength, beloved by all.