As the gods gathered, their hearts weighed down by the suffering caused by Rāvaṇa, the mighty lord of the Rākṣasas, Nārāyaṇa Viṣṇu, appointed by the foremost of the gods, addressed them with gentle words. Though he already knew the plight, he asked, “O gods, what is the means for the destruction of that lord of the Rākṣasas? By which I, adopting that means, might slay the tormentor of sages?” The gods, hearing Viṣṇu’s inquiry, replied with reverence: “Assume a human form and slay Rāvaṇa in battle. For Rāvaṇa, the subduer of enemies, performed intense austerities for a long time, pleasing Brahmā, the creator of worlds and the ancient one. Brahmā granted Rāvaṇa a boon: that he would have no fear from any being of various kinds, except from humans. Humans were disregarded by him at the time of receiving the boon; thus, made proud by the Grandfather’s gift, he became arrogant. He destroys the three worlds and even seizes women; therefore, his death is destined to come from humans, O scorcher of foes.” Upon hearing these words, Viṣṇu, composed and resolute, chose King Daśaratha of Ayodhyā as his father. At that time, Daśaratha, radiant and noble, was childless. Desiring a son, the king performed a sacred sacrifice for offspring, seeking blessings from the divine. Having made his decision, Viṣṇu consulted with Brahmā, the Grandfather, and then vanished from sight, honored by the gods and great sages. Then, from the sacrificial fire of Daśaratha’s rite, a wondrous being emerged, shining with incomparable brilliance and immense strength. His form was dark, clothed in red garments, with a red mouth that resounded like a drum. His body hair and beard were glossy and tawny, his hair splendid. He was adorned with auspicious marks and divine ornaments, as tall as a mountain peak, with the valor of a proud lion. His appearance was radiant like the sun, resembling a blazing flame, and he held a vessel made of refined gold with a silver lining. Within this vessel was divine porridge—pāyasa—filled to the brim. The being held it close, as one would a beloved wife, grasped with broad arms, as if it were a creation of illusion. Approaching King Daśaratha, the king greeted him with joined palms, saying, “O Lord, you are welcome! What shall I do for you?” The being born of the Creator spoke: “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 sons for whose sake you are performing this sacrifice.” With great joy and reverence, Daśaratha bowed his head and accepted the golden vessel, filled with divine food. He respectfully greeted the wondrous being, and, filled with highest joy, walked around him in reverence. Daśaratha was supremely delighted, like a poor man who has found unexpected wealth. The marvelous being, having accomplished his radiant task, vanished right there, leaving behind an atmosphere of wonder. The inner chambers of the palace shone with rays of joy, as the beautiful autumn sky shines with beams of the moon. Entering the chambers, Daśaratha addressed Kausalyā: “Receive this pāyasa, for the sake of obtaining a son for yourself.” He gave half of the pāyasa to Kausalyā, and from that half, a further half to Sumitrā. For the sake of obtaining a son, he gave the remaining half to Kaikeyī, and again, the last portion, like nectar, to Sumitrā. Reflecting, the wise king again gave Sumitrā a share, thus distributing the pāyasa separately to his wives. Having received the divine pāyasa in this way, all the king’s noble wives felt honored, their hearts filled with great joy. Soon, having partaken of the excellent pāyasa, Daśaratha’s wives conceived, their brilliance equal to fire and the sun. Seeing his wives pregnant, Daśaratha regained peace of mind, as delighted as Indra in heaven, honored by hosts of gods, perfected beings, and sages. Now, listen to the seventeenth sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Bālakāṇḍa. When Viṣṇu had entered the state of being a son to the great-souled king Daśaratha, the self-born Lord addressed all the gods: “For the truthful and heroic king, who seeks the welfare of us all, create powerful helpers for Viṣṇu, able to assume any form. Let them be masters of illusion, valiant, swift as the wind, skilled in policy, endowed with intelligence, and equal to Viṣṇu in valor. Endowed with irresistible strength, unknown means of defeat, and divine forms, they shall possess all the qualities of celestial weapons, as if they had partaken of ambrosia.” Thus, among the foremost of the Apsarases, in the bodies of Gandharva women, in the daughters of Yakshas and Nagas, among the Riksha and Vidyadhari women, and in the bodies of Kinnari women, as well as among Vanara females, the gods were to create sons in the form of monkeys, equal in might. Already before, the self-born Lord had created Jambavan, the foremost of bears, who was suddenly born from his own yawn. Thus, with the blessing of the gods and the fulfillment of Daśaratha’s sacrifice, the stage was set for the birth of Rāma and his brothers, as well as their powerful helpers, destined to restore righteousness and vanquish evil.