In the sacred woods of ancient times, where the echoes of divine beings resonated through the trees, great sages, Siddhas, Vidyadharas, Nagas, and Charanas brought forth heroic sons. These sons, dwellers of the forest, were destined for greatness. Among them, Indra, the king of the gods, begot Vali, the lord of the monkeys, a being equal to Mahendra himself. The radiant Sun, the best among the shining ones, gave life to Sugriva, another mighty monkey. Brihaspati, the divine teacher, fathered Tara, the wisest and most excellent among the chief monkeys. From the treasures of the celestial realm, Kubera sired the illustrious Gandhamadana, while Vishvakarma, the divine architect, brought forth Nala, a great monkey of unmatched skill. Agni, the god of fire, blessed the world with Nila, who shone with a fiery radiance and surpassed all in energy, fame, and valor. The Ashvins, renowned for their beauty and wealth, produced Mainda and Dvivida, both monkeys esteemed for their noble appearance. Varuna, the god of water, begot Sushena, and Parjanya, the mighty rain god, gave life to Sharabha. Among these remarkable beings, Hanuman, the illustrious son of Vayu, emerged, born with a body as firm as a thunderbolt and speed that rivaled Garuda, the king of birds. These heroes, imbued with immeasurable strength and valor, could assume forms at will, embodying the might of elephants and mountains, each possessing great power and splendid physiques. Bears, monkeys, and those with cow-like tails sprang forth, each according to the form, appearance, and valor of their respective deities. Among the Golangulas, some were born with slightly superior prowess, while others emerged from the Riksha and Kinnari women, blessed by the gods, great sages, Gandharvas, Garuda, and renowned Yakshas. Many delighted beings begot thousands of mighty offspring, all of whom roamed the forests. These celestial singers and beings produced heroic sons of immense size, all dwellers of the woods. From the foremost Apsarases, Vidyādharīs, Nāga maidens, and Gandharvīs, were born those endowed with the power to change forms and possess great strength, moving about as they pleased. They embodied the pride and strength of lions and tigers, wielding rocks as weapons and claiming the trees and mountains as their home. With claws and fangs as their arms, they mastered every weapon, capable of shaking the king of mountains and shattering the sturdiest trees. Their speed could agitate the ocean, rend the earth, and leap across vast seas, while they could even ascend to the sky, seize clouds, and capture wild, intoxicated elephants roaming the forest. With their mighty roars, they could bring down birds in flight. Hundreds of thousands of these mighty leaders of monkey troops were born, becoming the foremost among their kind, producing heroic monkeys who accompanied the bear-like ones on their journeys. They took to various mountains and forests, serving Sugrīva, the son of the Sun, and Vālin, the son of Indra. All the monkey chiefs gathered around these two brothers, along with Nala, Nīla, Hanumān, and other leaders of the monkey troops. Endowed with the strength of Garuḍa and skilled in battle, they roamed the land, overpowering lions, tigers, and great serpents. Vālin, the mighty and long-armed protector of the monkeys, wielded his strength to safeguard them, while the earth, with its mountains, forests, and oceans, became filled with these diverse forms, marked by various features. The earth was covered with fearsome figures, all for the noble purpose of aiding Rāma. As time flowed on, the great horse sacrifice was completed, and the gods, having received their due shares, departed as they had come. King Daśaratha, having fulfilled his vows and rituals, entered his city with his wives, servants, and army, resplendent in his glory. The lords of the earth, honored by the king, joyfully returned to their lands after bowing to the eminent sage. As they departed, the splendid armies of the rulers shone brightly, filled with delight. Once the lords of the earth had left, King Daśaratha, his heart full of joy, remained in his city, contemplating the birth of a son. Six seasons passed, and in the twelfth month, on the ninth day of Caitra, the auspicious moment arrived. Under the ascendant star Punarvasu, presided over by Aditi, and with five planets in exalted positions, Kausalyā gave birth to Rāma, endowed with divine marks. He was half of Viṣṇu, a being of great glory, the joy of the Ikṣvāku line, with red eyes, mighty arms, red lips, and a voice that resonated like a drum, heralding the dawn of a new era.