In the illustrious city of Ayodhyā, the people led lives marked by righteousness and truth. They enjoyed long years, living in harmony with their sons, grandsons, and beloved wives, all dwelling together in that foremost of cities. The social order flourished: the kṣatriyas upheld and supported the brāhmaṇas, the vaiśyas were devoted to the kṣatriyas, and the śūdras faithfully performed their own duties, serving the three higher castes with diligence. Ayodhyā was well protected by its sovereign, the lord of the Ikṣvāku dynasty, just as it had been in ancient times under Manu, the wise king of men. The city was vibrant with warriors, fierce as blazing fire, skilled, gracious, and unyielding—masters of their arts—like a mountain cave filled with lions. Its streets and stables teemed with the finest horses, born in distant lands such as Kāmboja and Bāhlīka, as well as excellent steeds from forests and rivers. The city resounded with the trumpeting of intoxicated elephants, mighty and powerful, brought from the Vindhya mountains and the Himalayas, their strength and stature resembling the very mountains themselves. Among them were noble elephants descended from the lineages of Airāvata and Mahāpadma, as well as those from Añjana and Vāmana mountains. Ayodhyā was further adorned with elephants of the bhadra, mandra, mṛga, bhadramandra, bhadramṛga, and mṛgamandra breeds. Always filled with these majestic, intoxicated elephants, the city—known as Satyanāmā—spanned more than two yojanas, and it was here that King Daśaratha dwelled, upholding the protection of the world. King Daśaratha, resplendent and mighty, ruled over Ayodhyā, subduing his enemies like the moon shining among the stars. The city, bearing the name Satyanāmā, was fortified with strong gates and bars, adorned with splendid houses, auspicious, and bustling with thousands of men. It was governed by Daśaratha, a king equal to Indra himself. Within this well-ordered realm, King Daśaratha was served by ministers of great virtue. They were skilled in counsel, perceptive of even the subtlest gestures, and always dedicated to what was both pleasing and beneficial to the king. Among them were eight ministers, pure in conduct and steadfast in loyalty: Dhṛṣṭi, Jayanta, Vijaya, Surāṣṭra, Rāṣṭravardhana, Akopa, Dharmapāla, and Sumantra, the eighth, wise in affairs of state. The king’s wisdom was further guided by two chief priests, eminent among seers—Vasiṣṭha and Vāmadeva—supported by other distinguished counselors such as Suyajña, Jābāli, Kāśyapa, Gautama, the long-lived Mārkaṇḍeya, and the sage Kātyāyana. These brahmarṣis had long served as priests; they were learned, disciplined, modest, skilled, and self-controlled. Their energy, patience, and fame were matched by their gentle speech, for they never uttered a false word, whether moved by anger, desire, or self-interest. Nothing escaped their notice—no act, whether their own or another’s, done, being done, or intended, even in secret, was hidden from them. Skilled in conduct and proven in friendship, they would mete out timely punishment even to their own sons if justice required it. Adept in collecting revenue and managing the army, they would never harm an innocent person, not even an enemy. Brave and ever-energetic, they upheld royal law and protected the pure citizens of the realm. By refraining from harming brāhmaṇas or kṣatriyas, they filled the treasury, imposing strict punishments with careful consideration of each person’s strengths and weaknesses. Among these pure and single-minded ministers, all were discerning; nowhere in the city or kingdom was there anyone who spoke falsely. There was no wickedness, nor did anyone covet another’s wife; peace prevailed throughout the kingdom and its chief city. The people were always well-dressed, observing pure vows, and ever alert to the king’s welfare. They had acquired their teachers’ virtues, were known for their valor, and their fame spread even to distant lands, their understanding ever firm. All were endowed with virtue, none lacking in merit, and they were experts in the principles of alliance and conflict, naturally blessed with prosperity. They kept counsel well, were skilled in subtle reasoning, always spoke pleasantly, and were well-versed in the science of governance. King Daśaratha, flawless and supported by such ministers, ruled the earth. He kept watch over his people through secret agents and protected them with righteousness, always shunning unrighteousness. Renowned in the three worlds, generous in speech, and steadfast in truth, this tiger among men ruled the earth. No enemy was found superior or even equal to him; he was friendly to his allies, respectful to vassals, and crushed troublemakers with his might, ruling the world as the lord of gods rules in heaven. Surrounded by devoted, skilled, and capable ministers, ever steadfast in beneficial counsel, the king shone with brilliance like the sun rising with radiant rays. Yet, despite his power, righteousness, and greatness of soul, King Daśaratha had no son to continue his line, and this longing weighed upon his heart. As he pondered deeply, a thought arose: “Why should I not perform the Aśvamedha sacrifice for the sake of a son?” With firm resolve, the wise and righteous king decided, together with his accomplished ministers, to undertake the great sacrifice. Calling Sumantra, the best of counselors, the mighty king commanded, “Quickly bring to me all those elders and priests.” And thus, the next chapter of Ayodhyā’s story began to unfold.