Mounted upon Garuda, resplendent as the sun riding a rain-laden cloud, Lord Vishnu appeared, adorned with blazing golden armlets. The best of the gods gathered around him, offering their praise and adoration. Among them, Brahma himself arrived, standing with focused mind, as all the assembled deities bowed to Vishnu and began to address him. “O Vishnu,” they said, “for the welfare of the worlds, we appoint you to a great task. You must become the son of King Dasharatha, the noble lord of Ayodhya. Dasharatha is righteous and generous, his brilliance rivaling that of great sages. Among his three queens—each embodying Modesty, Fortune, and Fame—you must take birth as his son, dividing yourself into four forms. In this way, taking human birth, you will destroy the great scourge of the worlds. “O Vishnu, Ravana, the mighty Rakshasa, cannot be slain by gods and torments the gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and the best of sages. His arrogance and cruelty oppress the sages, the Gandharvas, and the Apsaras. Even in the sacred Nandana grove, his violence has struck down the innocent. It is for the destruction of this terror that we have come together with the sages. “Therefore, the Siddhas, Gandharvas, and Yakshas have all sought refuge in you. You are the supreme refuge for us all, O subduer of foes. Turn your mind, O Lord, to the destruction of the enemies of gods and men in this world.” Thus praised by all the worlds, with Brahma at their head, Vishnu, honored and revered, spoke to the assembled gods, who stood devoted to righteousness. He said, “Abandon fear and let good fortune be yours. For your sake, I will slay Ravana in battle—together with his sons, grandsons, ministers, counselors, kin, and allies. Having slain that cruel and formidable terror of gods and sages, I shall dwell in the world of men for eleven thousand years, protecting the earth among humans for that time.” Having granted this boon, the self-possessed Vishnu considered where he would take birth among humans. The lotus-eyed Lord divided himself into four forms, choosing King Dasharatha as his father. At that moment, the gods, sages, Gandharvas, Rudras, and hosts of Apsaras sang hymns in praise of Madhusudana, the slayer of Madhu, glorifying his divine form. Again, the gods prayed: “That arrogant Ravana, fierce in his energy and swollen with pride, hater of the lords of the gods, a roaring terror and a thorn to ascetics—remove that threat, O savior of ascetics. Slay that roaring Ravana, fierce in valor, along with his forces and kin, and come to the heavenly world, freed from all distress, guarded by Indra, and cleansed of all fault and sin.” Meanwhile, King Dasharatha, desiring offspring, performed a great sacrifice. From the sacrificial fire, there emerged a great being of incomparable brilliance, immense strength, and valor. He was dark, clad in red garments, with a mouth as red as a lotus, resounding like a drum. His body hair and beard were glossy and tawny, his hair splendid, and he was adorned with auspicious marks and divine ornaments. As tall as a mountain peak, he possessed the valor of a proud lion and shone like the sun, resembling a blazing flame. In his hands he held a vessel made of refined gold with a silver lining, filled with celestial porridge. Holding it close, as one would a beloved, he grasped it with his broad arms, as if it were a creation of illusion. King Dasharatha, his palms joined in reverence, addressed the radiant 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 now obtained this reward. Take this divine pāyasa, prepared by the gods. It brings forth offspring, is blessed, and increases health. Give it to your worthy wives, saying, ‘Eat this.’ Through them, O King, you shall obtain the sons for whom you have performed this sacrifice.” Delighted and with bowed head, Dasharatha accepted the golden vessel filled with the divine food. He respectfully greeted the wondrous and pleasing being, and, filled with the highest joy, walked around him in reverence. Meanwhile, Narayana Vishnu, appointed by the foremost of the gods, though already knowing all, spoke gentle words to the gods: “O gods, what is the means for the destruction of that lord of the Rakshasas? By what method might I slay the tormentor of sages?” The gods replied, “Assume a human form and slay Ravana in battle. He performed intense austerities for a long time, by which Brahma, the ancient creator, was pleased. Satisfied, Brahma granted Ravana a boon: that he would have no fear from any being, except from humans. Disregarding humans at the time, Ravana became arrogant, proud of the boon. He now destroys the three worlds and seizes women; therefore, his death is destined to come from humans, O scorcher of foes.” Hearing these words, the self-possessed Vishnu chose King Dasharatha as his father. At that time, Dasharatha was childless, and desiring a son, performed the sacrifice for offspring. Having made his decision, Vishnu, after consulting with Brahma, vanished from sight, honored by the gods and great sages. Thus, the stage was set for the divine to descend among men, and for the destruction of Ravana, the tormentor of the worlds.