While the two brothers, Rama and Lakshmana, dwelled together, they lived content and fulfilled, yet their hearts often turned with affection and reverence toward their aged father, King Dasharatha. The mighty king himself, radiant with splendor, frequently recalled his beloved sons, Bharata and Shatrughna, who were away—heroes among men, as noble as Indra and Varuna. All four sons were the joy of Dasharatha’s heart, each one as dear to him as if they were his very own four arms, sprung from his body. Yet among them, Rama shone brightest—resplendent in his virtues and the delight of his father, much as the self-born Creator stands supreme among beings. Rama was the very embodiment of righteousness, for at the request of the gods, who longed for the destruction of the demon Rāvaṇa, the eternal Vishnu himself had taken birth among men as Rama. Kausalyā, Rama’s mother, radiated with pride and happiness, her glory magnified by her son of immeasurable brilliance, just as Aditi, the mother of the gods, shone with her son, the wielder of the thunderbolt. Rama was endowed with beauty, strength, and humility—unrivaled on earth, and matched in virtue only by King Dasharatha himself. His mind was ever calm, his words gentle and kind, and even when faced with harshness, he never responded in kind. He was easily satisfied by a single act of kindness, and, reflecting on his own nature, did not dwell on even a hundred wrongs done to him. Rama constantly sought the company of virtuous elders, those advanced in wisdom, age, and character, even among warriors skilled in arms. Wise and sweet-spoken, Rama took the initiative in conversation, his words always pleasant. Though powerful, he was never proud of his strength. He never spoke untruth, was learned in the scriptures, honored his elders, and was beloved by the people, who returned his affection in full. Compassionate and a master of his anger, Rama honored the brāhmaṇas, showed mercy to the distressed, was deeply knowledgeable in dharma, always self-controlled, and pure in conduct. With a mind befitting his noble lineage, he cherished the kṣatriya duty and regarded its heavenly rewards with great devotion. 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 and youthful, eloquent and handsome, Rama knew the right place and time for every action, and was acknowledged as the best among men—a singularly virtuous soul. So richly endowed with virtues, Rama was as dear to the people as the very breath of life. Having mastered all disciplines and vows, and being thoroughly versed in the Vedas and their branches, he surpassed even his father in archery. Noble by birth, virtuous, undisturbed by adversity, truthful and upright, he was well-trained by elders and by wise brāhmaṇas in the ways of dharma and wealth. He understood the essence of dharma, desire, and wealth, possessed keen memory and intelligence, and was adept in worldly affairs and proper conduct. Quiet and reserved in demeanor, he kept his counsel secret, supported by loyal companions. He never wasted anger or joy, and always knew when to act and when to refrain. Firm in devotion, steadfast in wisdom, Rama never accepted falsehood, nor spoke harshly. Tireless and vigilant, he was ever aware of his own faults and those of others. Learned in the scriptures, grateful, and discerning of men’s natures, he was skilled in both restraint and generosity, always acting justly and wisely. He excelled in gathering and supporting the virtuous, in assigning roles and maintaining discipline. He understood the means of acquiring wealth, its expenditure, and its proper uses. Rama had attained mastery in all branches of weaponry, both pure and composite, upheld both wealth and righteousness, pursued happiness, and was never indolent. He was skilled in the practical arts and crafts and knew well the training and management of elephants and horses. Foremost among those who knew archery, Rama was esteemed as a great chariot-warrior, adept in attack, combat, and the arrangement of armies. He was invincible in battle, even against the enraged gods and demons. Free from envy, he had conquered anger and was never arrogant or jealous. No being could despise him, nor was he subject to the sway of time. Thus, the prince, son of the king, was adorned with the highest virtues. In all three worlds, Rama was esteemed for his forbearance, equal to the earth itself; in wisdom, he was like Brihaspati, and in strength, like the lord of Shachi. With these virtues, beloved by all and pleasing to his father, Rama shone radiantly, like the sun with its rays. His conduct and prowess were unconquerable, like a lord of the world, and the earth herself desired him as her protector. Beholding such a son, endowed with countless, incomparable virtues, King Dasharatha, the vanquisher of foes, was filled with deep and constant thought. In his old age, after a long life, the king pondered, “How might Rama become king while I am still alive?” His heart was ever drawn by supreme affection for Rama, and he wondered, “When shall I see my beloved son anointed as king?” For Rama wished for the prosperity of the world and had compassion for all beings; he was dearer to the people than Dasharatha himself, like the rain-bringing cloud is to the earth. In strength, Rama was equal to Yama and Indra; in wisdom, to Brihaspati; in steadfastness, to the mountain king; and in virtue, he surpassed even his father. “If I could see my son ruling this entire earth while I still live,” Dasharatha thought, “it would be as if I attained heaven.” Thus, seeing Rama adorned with these and many other rare and immeasurable virtues—difficult to find even in other princes, and surpassing those of the world—King Dasharatha, after conferring with his ministers, resolved to consider the installation of Rama as crown prince.