In the celestial realms, a great unease settled among the gods, sages, and all beings of the universe as they spoke of a formidable Rākṣasa named Rāvana. This demon, emboldened by a boon from Brahmā, had become arrogant, transgressing against the sages, Yakṣas, Gandharvas, Brāhmaṇas, and even Asuras. His might was such that the sun did not burn him, nor did the wind dare blow near him; the ocean itself remained still in his presence. This terror of the cosmos instilled great fear among the divine, prompting them to seek a solution for his destruction. Gathered in solemn assembly, the gods turned to Brahmā, who, after deep contemplation, revealed that Rāvana's arrogance had led him to disregard humans when claiming invulnerability to all beings. This oversight meant that he was indeed vulnerable to death at the hands of a human. With this revelation, the gods felt a glimmer of hope. At that moment, Viṣṇu, the illustrious lord of the universe, arrived, adorned with a conch, discus, and mace, clad in resplendent yellow garments. He descended upon Garuda, radiating brilliance, and was greeted with reverence by the assembled deities. Brahmā, standing among them, addressed Viṣṇu with earnestness, urging him to become the son of King Dasharatha of Ayodhya, a ruler righteous and generous, blessed with three illustrious wives. Thus, the gods implored Viṣṇu to divide himself into four forms and take human birth, so he might confront and vanquish the great scourge of the worlds. Rāvana, who tormented not only the gods but also the sages, Gandharvas, and Apsaras, was to be faced in battle. The gods lamented how this cruel Rākṣasa had oppressed the sages and struck down the celestial beings while they played in the Nandana grove. Together, they sought refuge in Viṣṇu, the supreme protector of all. Viṣṇu, honored by the gods, assured them that he would indeed slay Rāvana and his kin, freeing the worlds from their distress. He declared that he would dwell among humans for ten thousand and one thousand years, safeguarding the earth during that time. With this promise, he prepared to take birth among mortals. Contemplating his earthly incarnation, Viṣṇu chose King Dasharatha as his father. The king, who was childless and yearning for a son, performed a great sacrifice to invoke divine offspring. As the sacrificial fire blazed, a magnificent being emerged, radiant and powerful, embodying strength and valor. His dark form was clothed in red garments, and his presence was as commanding as a mountain peak, adorned with divine ornaments and auspicious marks. This celestial being, destined to bring an end to Rāvana’s tyranny, was the embodiment of the divine will, prepared to fulfill the promise made to the gods. With the vigor of a lion and the brilliance of the sun, he was ready to confront the arrogant Rākṣasa, ensuring that balance would be restored to the worlds, and the cries of the oppressed would finally be heard.