Endowed with the strength of Garuḍa and skilled in the arts of war, the mighty monkey leaders roamed the earth, subduing lions, tigers, and even great serpents. Among them, the powerful and long-armed Vālin, whose might was vast, stood as protector of the monkeys with bear-like tails, guarding them by the sheer force of his arms. These heroic beings filled the world—its mountains, forests, and oceans—with their diverse forms and remarkable features. The earth became covered by these monkey chiefs, whose fearsome shapes were as formidable as storm clouds or mountain peaks, all assembled for the purpose of aiding Rāma. Now, listen to the next portion of this sacred narrative. When the great horse sacrifice was at last completed, the gods, having received their due offerings, departed as they had come. King Daśaratha, having fulfilled his vows and rituals, entered his city accompanied by his queens, his servants, his army, and his chariots. The assembled kings, honored by Daśaratha, bowed to the eminent sage and, filled with joy, returned to their own realms. As these illustrious rulers made their way home, their splendid armies, radiant with delight, shone brilliantly on the roads. Once the lords of the earth had departed, Daśaratha, resplendent among men, entered his city at the head of the foremost twice-born. The sage Ṛśyaśṛṅga, greatly honored, departed as well, accompanied by Śāntā and his retinue, for the wise king did not detain him. With all his guests dismissed, Daśaratha remained in Ayodhyā, his heart fulfilled and content, contemplating the long-awaited birth of a son. After the completion of the sacrifice, six seasons passed. Then, in the twelfth month, on the ninth day of Caitra, under auspicious omens—the star Punarvasu presided over by Aditi, five planets in exalted positions, and Jupiter and the Moon together in Cancer at the ascendant—the all-honored Lord of the Universe was rising. At this sacred moment, Kausalyā gave birth to Rāma, a child endowed with divine marks. Rāma was half of Viṣṇu incarnate, radiant and glorious, the joy of the Ikṣvāku line. He had eyes like lotus petals, mighty arms, red lips, and a voice deep as a drum. Kausalyā shone with her son of immeasurable splendor, just as Aditi did 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, endowed with every virtue. Sumitrā gave birth to two sons—Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna—heroes skilled in all weapons, each possessing half the power of Viṣṇu. Bharata, serene of mind, was born under the star Puṣya, with Pisces rising; the sons of Sumitrā were born under Āśleṣā, with Cancer ascending as the sun rose. Thus, the king’s four sons were born separately, each great-souled, virtuous, and beautiful—comparable in their splendor to the twin stars Proṣṭhapada. At their birth, Gandharvas sang sweet melodies, the Apsarases danced, divine drums resounded, and showers of flowers fell from the heavens. The palace halls, vast and adorned with jewels, resounded with melodious singing and harmonious instruments. King Daśaratha 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; Bharata, son of Kaikeyī; and, as Vasiṣṭha joyfully proclaimed, Sumitrā’s sons were named Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna. The king fed the Brāhmaṇas as well as the citizens and people of the land, and bestowed upon 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, shone like a banner, bringing delight to his father. Once again, Daśaratha 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, yet Rāma, of great splendor, stood out for his steadfastness in truth and valor. Beloved by all, pure as the moon, he excelled in riding elephants and horses, and in driving chariots. Devoted to the science of archery and eager to serve his father, Rāma was especially dear to Lakṣmaṇa, who from childhood was exceedingly affectionate and fortunate. Lakṣmaṇa was always devoted to Rāma, his elder brother and the delight of the world, bringing joy to all, even to Rāma himself. Lakṣmaṇa, prosperous and loyal, was like Rāma’s very life-breath, and Rāma could not sleep without him. Whenever delicious food was brought, Lakṣmaṇa would not eat unless Rāma did; whenever Rāghava mounted a horse to go hunting, Lakṣmaṇa would follow, bow in hand, ever his protector. Similarly, Śatrughna, Lakṣmaṇa’s younger brother, was always devoted to Bharata, following him and protecting him in all things. The love between them was dearer than life itself. Thus, Daśaratha was cherished by his four illustrious sons, and he rejoiced like the Grandfather of the gods, seeing his sons endowed with knowledge and adorned with every virtue. They were modest, renowned, wise, and farsighted; among them all, radiance and power shone forth. Their father Daśaratha rejoiced like Brahmā, lord of the worlds, for his sons, tiger-like among men, were devoted to the study of the Vedas and the fulfillment of righteousness.