Once, the sage Vālmīki pondered deeply and asked his companion, the great sage Nārada: “Is there anyone in this world who is self-controlled, has conquered anger, radiates brilliance, is free from envy, and whose very wrath in battle makes even the gods tremble?” Vālmīki’s curiosity was immense, and he implored Nārada, who alone was capable of knowing such a person, to tell him about such a man. Hearing this earnest inquiry, sage Nārada, who knew the three worlds, smiled with joy and replied, “Let me tell you, O sage, of a man who possesses all these rare virtues you have described. Listen carefully.” Nārada began to recount: “There is one known among people as Rāma, born in the illustrious lineage of Ikṣvāku. He is self-disciplined and mighty, radiant and steadfast, a master of his own self. Rāma is intelligent, wise in conduct, eloquent, prosperous, a destroyer of his enemies. His shoulders are broad, his arms long, his neck shaped like a conch, and his jaw is strong. He has a broad chest and wields great bows; his collarbones are hidden beneath his flesh, he subdues his foes, his arms reach down to his knees, his head is well-formed, his forehead beautiful, and he is valiant. He is perfectly proportioned, his limbs evenly formed, his complexion lustrous and full of vigor. His chest is broad, his eyes large and expressive, he is endowed with fortune and marked by auspicious signs. Rāma knows righteousness, speaks only the truth, is devoted to the welfare of his people, is renowned, full of knowledge, pure, self-controlled, and unwavering in resolve. In majesty, he is like the creator himself; he is prosperous, a supporter of all, a destroyer of evil, protector of living beings, and the guardian of righteousness. He protects both his own dharma and that of his people. He knows the essence of the Vedas and their branches, accomplished too in the science of archery. He understands the heart of all scriptures, is ever mindful, perceptive, beloved by all, virtuous, undisturbed, and discerning. The virtuous flock to him as rivers flow to the ocean. He is noble, impartial to all, and always pleasant to behold. Endowed with every virtue, he is the joy of his mother Kausalyā; in depth, he is like the ocean, in patience, like the Himalaya. In valor, he is like Viṣṇu; in pleasing appearance, like the moon; in wrath, like the fire of destruction; and in forgiveness, like the earth itself. In renunciation, he is the very embodiment of righteousness, steadfast in truth and valor, possessing every noble quality. Rāma, the beloved and eldest son of King Dasharatha, possessed all the virtues that befit his seniority. He was ever devoted to the welfare of the people, winning their hearts with his desire to serve them. Out of deep affection, King Dasharatha resolved to appoint Rāma as his successor. Yet, as the preparations for his consecration were underway, Queen Kaikeyi, recalling the boons once granted to her, requested that Rāma be exiled and her own son Bharata be consecrated instead. Bound by his promise and the bonds of righteousness, King Dasharatha, though his heart broke for his beloved son, sent Rāma into exile. The heroic Rāma, unwavering in his vow, obeyed his father’s command and departed, seeking to please Kaikeyi. Lakshmana, Rāma’s beloved younger brother, full of affection and humility, followed him into exile, bringing joy to his mother Sumitra. Sita, Rāma’s devoted wife—born in the house of Janaka, as if crafted by divine illusion, adorned with every auspicious mark, the foremost among women—also insisted on following her husband, just as Rohini follows the moon. As Rāma, Sita, and Lakshmana set out, the citizens and even King Dasharatha accompanied them for a long distance, unable to bear their departure. At Shringavera, on the banks of the Ganga, Rāma dismissed his charioteer and met Guha, the righteous and beloved chief of the Nishadas. Together with Guha, Sita, and Lakshmana, Rāma crossed many rivers, entering deep into the forest. Guided by the sage Bharadvaja, they arrived at Chitrakuta, where the three made a pleasant dwelling and enjoyed their forest life, living happily like gods and gandharvas. Yet, while Rāma dwelled at Chitrakuta, his father Dasharatha was consumed by grief for his exiled son, and soon he departed from this world. After Dasharatha’s passing, the mighty Bharata, though urged by Vasishta and the foremost brahmins to accept the throne, refused to rule. Instead, filled with devotion, he journeyed to the forest, seeking Rāma’s feet. Approaching the great-souled Rāma, steadfast in truth and valor, Bharata reverently pleaded with his elder brother, declaring, “You alone are the rightful king, knower of righteousness.” Yet Rāma, supremely generous and of great fame, remained firm in his obedience to their father’s command. He did not accept the kingdom, but entrusted his sandals to Bharata as the symbol of royal authority. At Rāma’s urging, Bharata returned to the city, though his heart’s desire was unfulfilled. Touching Rāma’s feet in reverence, he went to Nandigrāma, where he ruled with truth and self-control, awaiting Rāma’s return. Meanwhile, Rāma, perceiving the approach of the townspeople, entered the Daṇḍaka forest with focused mind. In that great forest, the lotus-eyed Rāma slew the demon Virādha and visited the sage Śarabhaṅga. He also met the sages Sutikṣṇa, Agastya, and Agastya’s brother. By Agastya’s grace, Rāma received Indra’s bow, a sword, and inexhaustible quivers, all with great delight. Thus, Rāma dwelled in the forest, accompanied by Sita, Lakshmana, and among the forest-dwellers, ever upholding righteousness and virtue.