In ancient times, great leaders emerged among the monkeys and bears, forming the foremost of all troop commanders. These heroic beings produced countless valiant monkeys, while others—numbering in thousands—journeyed alongside those with bear-like tails. Many among them ventured into various mountains and forests, dedicating their service to Sugrīva, the son of the Sun, and Vālin, the son of Indra. All the monkey chiefs gathered around these two illustrious brothers, as well as around Nala, Nīla, Hanumān, and other distinguished leaders of the monkey troops. Endowed with the strength of Garuḍa and skilled in battle, they roamed the land, overpowering lions, tigers, and mighty serpents. The powerful and long-armed Vālin, whose prowess was immense, protected the monkeys with bear-like tails by the strength of his arms. Through the deeds of these heroes, the earth—with its mountains, forests, and oceans—became filled with beings of diverse forms and remarkable features. These monkey troop leaders, mighty as masses of clouds or towering mountain peaks, covered the earth with their fearsome forms, all for the purpose of aiding Rāma. Now, listen to the next chapter of the tale. When the great horse sacrifice was completed, the gods received their shares and departed as they had come. Having fulfilled his vows and rituals, King Daśaratha, accompanied by his wives, entered his city with his attendants, army, and vehicles. The lords of the earth, having been honored by the king, departed joyfully to their own lands after bowing to the eminent sage. As these illustrious kings returned to their cities, their splendid armies shone brightly, filled with delight. When the lords of the earth had gone, King Daśaratha, radiant, entered his city, leading the foremost among the twice-born. Ṛśyaśṛṅga, having been greatly honored, departed together with Śāntā and his retinue, not detained by the wise king. Having dismissed them all, the king, his mind fulfilled, remained happily, 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 were in their exalted positions—with Jupiter and the Moon together in Cancer at the ascendant—as the all-honored Lord of the Universe was rising, Kausalyā gave birth to Rāma, endowed with divine marks. Rāma was half of Viṣṇu, greatly glorious, the joy of the Ikṣvāku dynasty, with red eyes, mighty arms, red lips, and a voice like a drum. Kausalyā shone with her son of immeasurable splendor, just as Aditi shines with Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, among the gods. Bharata, steadfast in truth and valor, was born to Kaikeyī, being a fourth part of Viṣṇu and endowed with all virtues. Then Sumitrā gave birth to two sons, Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna, heroes skilled in all weapons, each possessing half the power of Viṣṇu. Bharata, of serene 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. The king’s four sons, great-souled, were born separately, each possessing virtues, fitting in form, and comparable in beauty to the twin stars Proṣṭhapada. At their birth, the Gandharvas sang sweetly, the groups of Apsarases danced, divine drums resounded, and a shower of flowers fell from the sky. With melodious singing and harmonious instruments, the vast, jewel-adorned halls resounded splendidly. The king gave gifts to bards, genealogists, and panegyrists; to the Brāhmaṇas he gave wealth and thousands of cows. After eleven days had passed, 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, then named Saumitri as Lakṣmaṇa and the other as Śatrughna. He had the Brāhmaṇas, as well as the citizens and people of the land, fed, and gave the Brāhmaṇas a great abundance 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 beings like Svayambhū; all his sons were learned in the Vedas, heroic, and devoted to the welfare of the world. They were endowed with knowledge and adorned with virtues; yet among them, Rāma, radiant in splendor, was steadfast in truth and valor. Beloved by all people, pure as the moon, Rāma excelled in riding elephants, horses, and in chariot-driving. He was devoted to the science of archery and eager to serve his father. From childhood, Lakṣmaṇa, increasing in fortune, was exceedingly affectionate. Lakṣmaṇa was always devoted to Rāma, his elder brother and delight of the world; he brought joy to all, and even to Rāma himself. Endowed with prosperity, Lakṣmaṇa was like an external vital breath; and the best of men could not sleep without him. When delicious food was brought, Lakṣmaṇa would not eat without Rāma; whenever Rāma mounted a horse to go hunting, Lakṣmaṇa would follow behind, armed with a bow, protecting him. For Bharata, Śatrughna, Lakṣmaṇa’s younger brother, did the same. Śatrughna was always dearer to Bharata than life itself, and likewise beloved. Thus, King Daśaratha was cherished by his four illustrious sons, who were united in virtue, affection, and splendor.