In those ancient days, hundreds upon hundreds of thousands of mighty monkey leaders came into being—chiefs among their kind, renowned for their strength and valor. These formidable beings rose to prominence as the foremost of all troop leaders, each producing heroic monkeys to serve in their ranks. In great numbers, some among them accompanied the bear-like ones on their wanderings, forging bonds of kinship and courage. Others spread out across the many mountains and forests, finding their places in the wild lands. All these noble monkeys dedicated themselves in service to Sugrīva, the radiant son of the Sun, and to Vālin, son of mighty Indra. Around these two illustrious brothers gathered the most eminent monkey chiefs—Nala, Nīla, Hanumān, and many others—each a leader of great renown. Endowed with the strength of Garuḍa and skilled in the arts of battle, these heroes roamed the earth, overpowering lions, tigers, and even the great serpents of the wild. Among them, Vālin stood out—mighty and long-armed, his prowess unmatched. With the strength of his arms, he protected the monkeys with bear-like tails, ensuring their safety and unity. By the deeds of these valiant beings, the earth became filled with their presence—its mountains, forests, and oceans echoing with their energy. Diverse in form and marked by various features, they covered the land, their fearsome forms like masses of clouds or towering mountain peaks. All this came to be for the sake of aiding Rāma, the future scion of the Ikṣvāku line. Now, listen to the next part of this sacred narrative. When the great horse sacrifice had been completed, the gods, having received their shares, departed as they had come. King Daśaratha, his vows and rituals fulfilled, entered his resplendent city accompanied by his queens, his loyal servants, his mighty army, and splendid vehicles. The lords of the earth, honored by the king, joyfully took their leave, bowing to the eminent sage before returning to their own lands. As these illustrious kings journeyed home, their splendid armies shone with delight, a spectacle of joy and grandeur. With the departure of these rulers, King Daśaratha entered his city, leading the foremost among the twice-born, his heart aglow with fulfillment. The sage Ṛśyaśṛṅga, greatly honored, left with his wife Śāntā and their retinue, not detained by the wise king. Having thus dismissed all his guests, King Daśaratha, his mind at peace and his desires fulfilled, remained in happiness, contemplating the birth of a son. After the completion of the sacrifice, six seasons passed. Then, in the twelfth month, on the ninth day of Caitra, when the 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—at that most auspicious moment, as the all-honored Lord of the Universe was rising—Kausalyā gave birth to Rāma, a son endowed with divine marks. He was half of Viṣṇu himself, radiant and glorious, the joy of the Ikṣvāku line, with 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 of mind, was born under the star Puṣya, with the ascendant in Mīna; the sons of Sumitrā were born under the star Āśleṣā, with the ascendant in Karkaṭa, as the sun was rising. Thus, the king’s four sons, great-souled and born separately, each possessed virtues and forms of surpassing beauty, comparable to the twin stars Proṣṭhapada. On this joyous occasion, the Gandharvas sang sweetly, the groups of Apsarases danced, divine drums resounded, and a shower of flowers rained down from the heavens. The vast, jewel-adorned halls of the palace echoed with melodious singing and harmonious instruments, resounding splendidly. King Daśaratha bestowed gifts upon bards, genealogists, and panegyrists, and to the Brāhmaṇas he gave great wealth and thousands of cows. When eleven days had passed, he performed the naming ceremony for his sons: the eldest, the illustrious Rāma, and Bharata, son of Kaikeyī. The revered sage Vasiṣṭha, filled with supreme joy, named Sumitrā’s sons as Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna. The king had the Brāhmaṇas, as well as the citizens and people of the land, fed, and he gave the Brāhmaṇas great heaps of precious gems. He performed all the rites of birth and other ceremonies for his sons; among them, Rāma, the eldest, was like a banner, bringing delight to his father. Once more, the king became esteemed among all beings, like Svayambhū himself. His sons were learned in the Vedas, heroic, and devoted to the welfare of the world. All were adorned with knowledge and virtues, but among them, Rāma, radiant with splendor, stood foremost—steadfast in truth and valor. Beloved by all people, pure as the moon, he excelled in riding elephants, horses, and driving chariots. He was devoted to the science of archery and eager to serve his father. From childhood, Lakṣmaṇa, increasing in good fortune, was exceedingly affectionate. Lakṣmaṇa was always devoted to Rāma, the delight of the world and his elder brother, bringing joy to all, and even to Rāma himself. Lakṣmaṇa, endowed with prosperity, was as vital to Rāma as the very breath of life; indeed, the best of men could not sleep without him. When delicious food was brought, Lakṣmaṇa would not eat unless Rāma partook as well. Whenever Rāghava mounted a horse to go hunting, Lakṣmaṇa would follow behind, bow in hand, protecting him always. And for Bharata, his younger brother Śatrughna showed the same devotion and care. Thus were born and raised the four noble sons of Daśaratha, each virtuous and radiant, their brotherly bonds and heroic qualities shining forth, destined to shape the fate of the world.