In a celestial assembly, the deities gathered, their hearts heavy with concern, as they turned to Brahmā, the revered creator of worlds. They spoke with urgency, beseeching him, "O Lord, by your grace, we are tormented by a Rākṣasa named Rāvaṇa. His strength is overwhelming, and we are powerless to restrain him." They recounted how this wicked being, emboldened by a boon granted out of affection, had become a scourge upon the three worlds. Rāvaṇa, in his arrogance, openly defied the gods and sages, seeking to violate Indra, the king of the heavens. He transgressed against the Yakṣas, Gandharvas, Brāhmaṇas, and Asuras alike, his wickedness growing unchecked. The gods lamented that even the sun could not burn him, nor could the wind approach him, and the ocean dared not stir its waves in his presence. "O Lord," they implored Brahmā, "we live in great fear of this terrifying Rākṣasa. You must devise a means for his destruction." Brahmā, after deep contemplation, spoke with clarity, revealing the means of Rāvaṇa's downfall. "He boasts of invulnerability to all beings—Gandharvas, Yakṣas, gods, Dānavas, and even Rākṣasas. Yet, in his disdain, he overlooked humans; thus, he is vulnerable to death at their hands." At that moment, Viṣṇu, the radiant lord of the universe, arrived, adorned in yellow garments and holding his conch, discus, and mace. He descended upon Garuda, shining like the sun amidst a rain cloud, and was honored by the assembled gods. Brahmā stood with focused attention, and the deities, bowing before Viṣṇu, addressed him with reverence, "O Vishnu, for the welfare of the worlds, we appoint you to take birth as the son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya. He is a righteous and generous king, equal in brilliance to the greatest sages, and among his three wives, you will find those who embody Modesty, Fortune, and Fame." They urged Viṣṇu to divide himself into four forms, to take human birth, and to confront the great scourge of the worlds. "O Vishnu, slay Rāvaṇa in battle, for he cannot be defeated by the gods. He torments us all—the gods, the Gandharvas, the Siddhas, and the revered sages. His cruelty has struck down those who play in the Nandana grove. We have gathered here, alongside the sages, seeking your refuge from this terror." Viṣṇu, honored by the praise of all, spoke to the assembly, "Abandon your fears; for your welfare, I shall destroy Rāvaṇa in battle, along with his sons, grandsons, ministers, and allies." He declared that after vanquishing this formidable foe, he would dwell among humans for ten thousand and one thousand years, protecting the earth during that time. Thus, the self-possessed Vishnu granted this boon to the gods. With a thoughtful gaze, he considered his place of birth and chose King Dasharatha as his father. The gods, sages, Gandharvas, Rudras, and hosts of Apsaras praised him with divine hymns, invoking his name. They beseeched him to remove the arrogant Rāvaṇa, fierce in energy and pride, who had become a thorn in the side of the ascetics. "Slay that roaring Rāvaṇa, and when you do, return to the heavenly realm, freed from distress and cleansed of all sin." As the celestial assembly filled with a sense of hope, Nārāyaṇa Viṣṇu, appointed by the foremost gods, spoke gently to them. "O gods, what is the means for the destruction of that lord of the Rākṣasas? By which I, adopting that means, might slay the tormentor of sages?" The gods replied, urging him to assume a human form and confront Rāvaṇa in battle. They recounted how the Rākṣasa had performed intense austerities, winning Brahmā's favor and a boon that rendered him invulnerable to all beings except humans. This oversight, they explained, had made him arrogant and the source of his impending doom. Hearing the words of the gods, Viṣṇu chose King Dasharatha, who was childless and longing for a son. The king, desiring an heir, performed a great sacrifice. With clarity of purpose, Viṣṇu vanished from sight, honored by the gods and great sages, ready to fulfill his divine mission. Thus, the stage was set for the unfolding of destiny, as the forces of good prepared to confront the darkness embodied by Rāvaṇa.