He is a king of great righteousness and generosity, whose radiance rivals that of the most illustrious sages. Among his three wives—each embodying the virtues of Modesty, Fortune, and Fame—he rules with wisdom and grace. It was to this noble king that the gods turned in their time of need. The gods, oppressed and troubled, approached Vishnu and pleaded, “O Vishnu, become his son—divide yourself into four forms. Take birth among men, and in your human incarnation, destroy the great scourge that plagues the worlds.” They implored him further, “O Vishnu, slay Ravana in battle—he who cannot be slain by gods, who torments the gods, Gandharvas, Siddhas, and the foremost of sages. This arrogant Rakshasa Ravana, drunk with his own power, oppresses the sages, and even the Gandharvas and Apsaras.” They recounted how, while playing in the Nandana grove, these celestial beings had been struck down by Ravana’s cruelty. “For the purpose of his destruction, we have come here together with the sages. Therefore, Siddhas, Gandharvas, and Yakshas have all sought refuge in you. You are the supreme refuge for all of us, O subduer of foes.” With reverence they continued, “Turn your mind, O god, to the destruction of the enemies of the gods and of men in this world.” Thus praised, Vishnu, the lord of the gods and foremost among immortals, honored by all the worlds with Brahma at their head, addressed the assembled gods, who were devoted to righteousness. He spoke words of reassurance, “Abandon fear, may good be yours. For your welfare, I will slay Ravana in battle—together with his sons, grandsons, ministers, counselors, kin, and allies. Having slain that cruel, formidable terror of gods and sages, I shall dwell in the world of men for ten thousand and one thousand years. I will remain on this earth, protecting it for that time among humans.” Thus granting this boon, the self-possessed Vishnu spoke to the gods. Then, considering the place of his birth among men, the lotus-eyed Vishnu divided himself into four forms. At that moment, he chose King Dasharatha as his father. The gods, sages, Gandharvas, Rudras, and hosts of Apsaras praised Madhusudana with hymns of divine form, saying, “That arrogant Ravana, fierce in energy, swollen with pride, hater of the lords of the gods, roaring, a thorn to ascetics—remove that terror, O savior of ascetics. Having slain that roaring Ravana, fierce in valor, along with his forces and kin, come to the heavenly world, freed from all distress, guarded by Indra, and cleansed of all fault and sin.” Meanwhile, King Dasharatha, longing for sons, performed a great sacrifice for offspring. From the sacrificial fire emerged a wondrous being, resplendent and powerful. His form was dark, he wore red garments, his mouth was red and resounded like thunder. His body hair and beard were tawny and glossy, his hair magnificent, his stature as tall as a mountain peak, his valor like that of a proud lion. He shone like the sun, blazing like fire, and in his hands he held a vessel of refined gold, lined with silver, filled with divine porridge—a vessel he held close as if it were a creation of illusion, cradled lovingly in his broad arms. The king, awed, joined his palms and addressed the being, “O Lord, you are welcome! What shall I do for you?” The radiant being replied, “O King, by worshipping the gods, you have now obtained this. O tiger among men, 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 the sons for whose sake you are performing this sacrifice.” With deep joy, King Dasharatha bowed and accepted the golden vessel, filled with the divine food. He reverently greeted the wondrous being, circled him in respect, and felt as delighted as a poor man who has found great treasure. Having accomplished his radiant task, the marvelous being vanished from sight. The inner chambers of the palace shone with rays of joy, as the autumn sky glows with the beams of the full moon. Thus, the divine plan was set in motion: Vishnu would descend as Dasharatha’s sons, and the world would soon witness the birth of Rama and his brothers—the beginning of Ravana’s end and the restoration of dharma on earth.