Long ago, the mighty Rākṣasa Rāvaṇa, in his arrogance, sought a boon from Brahmā, the creator. When asked whom he wished to be protected from, Rāvaṇa, out of disdain, neglected to mention humans, considering them insignificant. Thus, the boon granted him immunity from death at the hands of gods, demons, and other celestial beings—but not from humans. This omission would become his vulnerability, and only a human could bring about his end. At this time, the gods, sages, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and other celestial beings were tormented by Rāvaṇa’s cruelty. The arrogant Rākṣasa oppressed ascetics and celestial nymphs, even attacking those who played in the Nandana grove. Desperate for relief, all these beings gathered and approached Vishnu, the lord of the universe, for help. Vishnu, radiant and majestic, arrived holding his conch, discus, and mace, clad in yellow garments and adorned with blazing golden armlets. He rode upon Garuda, shining like the sun on a rain cloud, and was praised by the best of the gods. Brahmā himself came and stood with focused mind, as all the gods bowed and extolled Vishnu. They implored him: “O Vishnu, for the welfare of the worlds, we appoint you. Become the son of King Dasharatha, the righteous and generous ruler of Ayodhya, who shines with the brilliance of great sages. Among his three wives, who are as Modesty, Fortune, and Fame, take birth as his son, dividing yourself into four forms. As a human, destroy the great scourge of the worlds—Rāvaṇa—who cannot be slain by gods and torments the gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and sages.” They continued, “Rāvaṇa, swollen with pride and fierce in energy, oppresses sages, Gandharvas, and Apsaras. For the purpose of his destruction, we have come together with the sages. The Siddhas, Gandharvas, and Yakshas have sought refuge in you, O supreme refuge, subduer of foes. Turn your mind to the destruction of the enemies of gods and men in this world.” Thus praised and honored by all the worlds, with Brahmā at their head, Vishnu spoke to the assembled gods, who were devoted to righteousness: “Abandon fear, may good be yours. For your welfare, I will slay Rāvaṇa in battle—together with his sons, grandsons, ministers, counselors, kin, and allies. Having slain that cruel terror of gods and sages, I shall dwell in the world of men for ten thousand and one thousand years, protecting the earth among humans.” With this promise, Vishnu considered his place of birth among humans and divided himself into four forms. He chose King Dasharatha as his father, and all the gods, sages, Gandharvas, Rudras, and hosts of Apsaras praised Madhusudana with hymns of divine form. They entreated him, “Remove that terror, O savior of ascetics, who is a thorn to ascetics, arrogant, fierce in valor, and a hater of the lords of gods. Having slain Rāvaṇa and his forces, come to the heavenly world, freed from distress, guarded by Indra, cleansed of all fault and sin.” Meanwhile, King Dasharatha, childless and desiring sons, performed a great sacrifice for offspring. From the sacrificial fire appeared a being of incomparable brilliance and immense strength, resounding like a drum, dark and clothed in red garments, with a red mouth, glossy tawny hair and beard, adorned with divine ornaments, as tall as a mountain peak, possessing the valor of a proud lion, and the radiance of the sun. He held a vessel made of refined gold with a silver lining, filled with divine porridge. The king, with joined palms, addressed the being: “O Lord, you are welcome! What shall I do for you?” The being, born of the Creator, replied, “O King, by worshipping the gods, you have obtained this. Take this divine pāyasa, made by the gods, which brings forth offspring, is blessed, and increases health. Give it to your worthy wives, saying, ‘Eat this.’ Through them, O king, you shall obtain sons for whose sake you are performing this sacrifice.” Thus, Vishnu, appointed by the gods, prepared to descend in human form, choosing King Dasharatha as his father. The divine pāyasa, a celestial gift, would grant Dasharatha the sons who would fulfill the gods’ purpose and bring relief to the worlds from Rāvaṇa’s tyranny.