After the grand sacrifice had concluded, King Daśaratha honored all the assembled lords of the earth with due respect. Joyful and satisfied, the kings bowed reverently to the eminent sage and departed for their own lands. As these illustrious rulers returned to their cities, their splendid armies, filled with delight, shone brightly, their banners waving in celebration. When the lords of the earth had gone, Daśaratha, radiant in his royal glory, entered his city, accompanied by the foremost among the twice-born. The sage Ṛśyaśṛṅga, having been greatly honored, departed as well, together with his wife Śāntā and his retinue, not detained by the wise king. With all the guests dismissed, Daśaratha remained in his palace, his heart fulfilled and happy, contemplating the birth of a son. Six seasons passed after the completion of the sacrifice. Then, in the twelfth month, on the ninth day of the bright half of Caitra, an auspicious moment arrived. The star Punarvasu, presided over by Aditi, was ascendant; five planets occupied their exalted positions, with Jupiter and the Moon together in Cancer at the ascendant. As the all-honored Lord of the Universe rose, Kausalyā gave birth to Rāma, a child endowed with divine marks. Rāma was half of Viṣṇu incarnate, greatly glorious, the joy of the Ikṣvāku line. His eyes were red, his arms mighty, his lips crimson, and his voice resounded like 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, 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, serene of mind, was born under the star Puṣya with the ascendant in Mīna; Sumitrā’s sons, Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna, were born under the star Āśleṣā with the ascendant in Karkaṭa, as the sun was rising. The four sons of the king, great-souled and born separately, each possessed virtues, fitting form, and beauty comparable to the twin stars Proṣṭhapada. At their birth, Gandharvas sang sweetly and groups of Apsarases danced, divine drums resounded, and a shower of flowers fell from the heavens. The vast, jewel-adorned halls of the palace echoed with melodious singing and harmonious instruments. King Daśaratha gave gifts to bards, genealogists, and panegyrists, and bestowed wealth and thousands of cows upon the Brāhmaṇas. 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, gave names to Sumitrā’s sons—Saumitri as Lakṣmaṇa, and the other as Śatrughna. The king had the Brāhmaṇas, the citizens, and people of the land fed, and he gifted 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, Daśaratha 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, of great splendor, stood out, steadfast in truth and valor. Beloved by all people, pure as the moon, Rāma excelled in riding elephants, horses, and 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. He was always devoted to Rāma, delight of the world and his elder brother, bringing joy to all, and even to Rāma physically. Lakṣmaṇa, endowed with prosperity, was like an external vital breath, and Rāma could not sleep without him. When delicious food was brought, Lakṣmaṇa would not eat unless Rāma did; whenever Rāma mounted a horse to go hunting, Lakṣmaṇa followed 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, Daśaratha was cherished by his four illustrious sons. He became supremely delighted, like the Grandfather among the gods, for all were endowed with knowledge and adorned with virtues. Modest, renowned, omniscient, and farsighted, they were radiant and powerful. Their father Daśaratha rejoiced like Brahmā, lord of the worlds, and those tiger-like men were devoted to Vedic study. They were devoted to serving their father and well established in the science of archery. Then King Daśaratha began to consider their marriage rites. That righteous king, together with his teachers and relatives, pondered this matter. As he was thinking among his ministers, the great-souled sage Viśvāmitra, of immense splendor, arrived, desiring an audience with the king. He spoke to the gatekeepers, “Quickly announce to me the arrival of Kauśika, the son of Gādhi.” Hearing his command, the attendants rushed to the king’s palace. All of them, their minds stirred by the sage’s words, went and approached the royal palace where Viśvāmitra was present. They informed King Daśaratha of the Ikṣvāku line that Viśvāmitra had arrived. Hearing this, the king, along with his priests, became attentive. With joy, Daśaratha went forth to meet the sage, as Indra would go to Brahmā. Seeing the ascetic, blazing with radiance and firm in his vows, Daśaratha welcomed him with utmost reverence.