Meanwhile, the resplendent Lord Viṣṇu, radiant as a thousand suns, arrived, holding in his four hands the conch, discus, and mace, his form adorned in yellow garments. He shone as the very lord of the universe. Mounted upon Garuḍa, his mighty vehicle, he appeared like the sun resting upon a rain cloud, his golden armlets blazing with light. The greatest of the gods surrounded him, offering praises and hymns. In that sacred assembly, Brahmā himself arrived, his mind focused and serene. All the gods, bowing deeply before Viṣṇu, extolled him and addressed him with reverence: “O Viṣṇu, for the welfare of the worlds, we entreat you. Please become the son of King Daśaratha, the righteous lord of Ayodhyā. Daśaratha is virtuous, generous, and shines with the brilliance of great sages. Among his three wives—who are as noble as Modesty, Fortune, and Fame—choose to be born. “O Viṣṇu, divide yourself into four forms and be born as his sons. Take human birth to destroy the great scourge of the worlds. Slay Rāvaṇa in battle, for he cannot be slain by gods, and he torments gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and the most renowned sages. That foolish Rākṣasa, drunk on his own power, oppresses the sages, Gandharvas, and Apsarases. Even in the Nandana grove, he has struck them down with cruelty. For his destruction, we have gathered here with the sages. “Thus, Siddhas, Gandharvas, and Yakṣas have sought refuge in you, O Lord. You are the supreme refuge for all of us. Turn your mind, O god, to the destruction of the enemies of gods and men on earth.” Thus praised, Viṣṇu, the foremost among immortals, honored by all the worlds with Brahmā at their head, addressed the assembled gods, who were devoted to righteousness. Viṣṇu spoke: “Abandon fear and be at peace. For your welfare, I will slay Rāvaṇa in battle—along with his sons, grandsons, ministers, counselors, kin, and allies. Having destroyed that cruel terror of gods and sages, I shall dwell in the world of men for eleven thousand years, protecting the earth among humans.” Having thus granted this boon, the self-possessed Viṣṇu spoke to the gods. Then, considering his place of birth among humans, the lotus-eyed Lord divided himself into four forms. At that moment, he chose King Daśaratha as his father. All the gods, sages, Gandharvas, Rudras, and hosts of Apsarases praised Madhusūdana with hymns of divine form, saying, “O savior of ascetics, remove that terror—Rāvaṇa, arrogant and fierce, hater of the gods, a thorn to ascetics. Having slain that roaring Rāvaṇa and his forces, come to the heavenly world, freed from all distress, guarded by Indra, cleansed of all sin.” At this time, King Daśaratha, who was without children, performed a great sacrifice for offspring, yearning for sons. From the sacrificial fire, there arose a wondrous being of incomparable brilliance, immense strength, and valor. His complexion was dark, he was clothed in red garments, with a red mouth, and his voice resounded like a drum. His body hair and beard were glossy and tawny, and his hair shone splendidly. Adorned with divine ornaments, marked with auspicious signs, he stood tall as a mountain peak, possessing the valor of a proud lion. His radiance was like the sun, resembling a blazing flame, and in his arms he held a vessel of refined gold, lined with silver, filled with celestial porridge. The vessel, held close to his broad chest as one would a beloved wife, seemed almost a creation of illusion. Approaching the king, this divine being addressed him. Daśaratha, palms joined, said, “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 ensures offspring, brings blessings, and increases health. Give it to your worthy wives, saying, ‘Eat this.’ Through them, O King, you shall obtain the sons for whose sake you have performed this sacrifice.” With great joy, Daśaratha accepted the golden vessel, his head bowed in reverence. The divine food, a gift from the gods, was now in his hands, promising the fulfillment of his deepest wish. Thus, at the request of the gods and for the protection of the worlds, Viṣṇu himself prepared to descend to earth, assuming human form as the sons of King Daśaratha, to bring about the destruction of Rāvaṇa and restore dharma.