With thunderous roars that could bring down birds in mid-flight, extraordinary monkeys were born—creatures of wondrous form, endowed with the power to change their shapes at will. In countless numbers, hundreds of thousands of mighty leaders arose, each a chief among the monkey hosts. These foremost troop leaders, heroic and strong, gave rise to yet more valiant monkeys, and in their thousands, some journeyed alongside those of bear-like appearance. Some among them took to the various mountains and forests, choosing to serve Sugrīva, the radiant son of the Sun, and Vālin, the powerful son of Indra. Around these two brothers gathered all the monkey chiefs, as well as the notable leaders Nala, Nīla, Hanumān, and many others. All were endowed with the strength of Garuḍa, skilled in battle, and they roamed freely, overpowering lions, tigers, and even great serpents. The mighty and long-armed Vālin, whose prowess was vast, protected the monkeys with bear-like tails by the sheer strength of his arms. By the deeds of these heroes, the earth—adorned with mountains, forests, and oceans—became filled with beings of diverse and wondrous forms. The leaders of the monkey hosts, mighty as mountain peaks or thunderclouds, covered the land with their fearsome shapes, all for the purpose of aiding Rāma. Now, listen to the eighteenth sarga. When the great horse sacrifice was completed, the gods, having received their shares, departed as they had come. King Daśaratha, his vows and rituals fulfilled, entered his city with his wives, accompanied by his servants, his splendid army, and his array of vehicles. The lords of the earth, having been duly honored by the king, joyfully took their leave, bowing to the eminent sage before returning to their own realms. As these illustrious kings journeyed back to their cities, their shining armies, filled with delight, glittered magnificently. With the departure of the assembled rulers, King Daśaratha, resplendent and surrounded by the foremost of the twice-born, entered his city. Ṛśyaśṛṅga, having been greatly honored, departed with Śāntā and his retinue, not detained by the wise king. Thus, having dismissed all his guests, the king, his heart fulfilled, remained in happiness, his thoughts dwelling on the hope for a son. After the completion of the sacrifice, six seasons passed. Then, in the twelfth month, on the ninth day of Caitra, as the auspicious star Punarvasu—presided over by Aditi—was ascendant, and five planets shone in their exalted positions, with Jupiter and the Moon together in Cancer at the ascendant, the all-honored Lord of the Universe arose. At that divine moment, Kausalyā gave birth to Rāma, a child marked by divinity. Rāma was half of Viṣṇu, radiant and glorious, the joy of the Ikṣvāku line. He had red eyes, mighty arms, red lips, and a voice deep as a drum. Kausalyā shone with her son of immeasurable splendor, just as Aditi shone with Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, among the gods. To Kaikeyī was born Bharata, steadfast in truth and valor, a fourth part of Viṣṇu, adorned with all virtues. Then, Sumitrā gave birth to two sons, Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna, both heroes skilled in all weapons, each possessing half the power of Viṣṇu. Bharata, serene in mind, was born under the star Puṣya with the ascendant in Mīna; Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna, the sons of Sumitrā, were born under the star Āśleṣā, with the ascendant in Karkaṭa as the sun was rising. Thus were born the king’s four sons—great-souled, each possessing virtues, handsome in form, and comparable in beauty to the twin stars Proṣṭhapada. At their birth, the Gandharvas sang sweetly, the Apsarases danced, celestial drums resounded, and a shower of flowers rained from the heavens. Melodious singing and harmonious instruments filled the vast, jewel-adorned halls with splendid sound. The king gave generous gifts to bards, genealogists, and panegyrists, and bestowed wealth and thousands of cows upon the Brāhmaṇas. After eleven days, he performed the naming ceremony for his sons: the eldest, the great-souled Rāma, and Bharata, the son of Kaikeyī. Vasiṣṭha, filled with supreme joy, named Sumitrā’s sons Lakṣmaṇa (Saumitri) and Śatrughna. The king had the Brāhmaṇas, as well as the citizens and people of the land, fed sumptuously, and he gave the Brāhmaṇas abundant precious gems. He performed all the rites of birth and other ceremonies for his sons; among them, Rāma, the eldest, stood out like a banner, bringing delight to his father. Once more, he became esteemed among all beings, like Svayambhū; all his sons were learned in the Vedas, heroic, and devoted to the welfare of the world. All four brothers were endowed with knowledge and adorned with virtues; yet among them, Rāma, radiant and steadfast in truth and valor, shone most brightly. Beloved by all, pure as the moon, he excelled in riding elephants and horses, and in driving chariots. He was devoted to the science of archery and eager to serve his father. From childhood, Lakṣmaṇa, ever increasing in fortune, was exceedingly affectionate. He was always devoted to Rāma, the delight of the world and his elder brother, bringing joy to all and especially to Rāma himself. Lakṣmaṇa, endowed with prosperity, was like an outward vital breath for Rāma; the best of men could not sleep without him. When delicious food was brought, he would not eat unless Rāma ate; and whenever Rāghava mounted a horse to go hunting, Lakṣmaṇa was ever by his side.