In the illustrious Ikṣvāku dynasty, a wondrous event unfolded: a son was born to Kausalyā, radiant with immeasurable splendor. He was half of Viṣṇu incarnate, greatly glorious, the delight of his lineage. His eyes shone red, his arms were mighty, his lips crimson, and his voice resounded like a drum. With this son, Kausalyā herself glowed, just as Aditi shone with Indra, the thunderbolt-wielder among the gods. To Kaikeyī, another son was born—Bharata, steadfast in truth and valor, a fourth part of Viṣṇu, endowed with every virtue. Sumitrā then 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 were born under 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 fitting forms, their beauty likened to the twin stars Proṣṭhapada. On that auspicious occasion, Gandharvas sang sweet melodies, Apsarases danced, divine drums resounded, and flowers showered down from the heavens. The jewel-adorned halls rang with harmonious music and melodious singing, filling the palace with splendor. King Daśaratha celebrated by giving gifts to bards, genealogists, and panegyrists; to the Brāhmaṇas he bestowed wealth and thousands of cows. After eleven days, he performed the naming ceremony for his sons: the eldest, great-souled Rāma, and Bharata, son of Kaikeyī. The sage Vasiṣṭha, filled with supreme joy, named Sumitrā’s sons Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna. The king had the Brāhmaṇas, citizens, and people of the land fed, and gifted the Brāhmaṇas with 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 more, Daśaratha was esteemed among all beings like Svayambhū; his sons were learned in the Vedas, heroic, and devoted to the world’s welfare. All were endowed with knowledge and adorned with virtues, yet among them, Rāma, of great splendor, was steadfast in truth and valor. Rāma was beloved by all, pure as the moon, renowned for his skills 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, always devoted to Rāma, the delight of the world and his elder brother. Lakṣmaṇa brought joy to all and even to Rāma himself. Lakṣmaṇa, endowed with prosperity, was like Rāma’s external vital breath; the best of men could not sleep without him. Whenever 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, and he became supremely delighted, like the Grandfather among the gods. All his sons were endowed with knowledge and virtues, modest, renowned, omniscient, and farsighted; radiant and powerful, they were devoted to Vedic study. Their father Daśaratha rejoiced like Brahmā, lord of the worlds, seeing his sons, those tiger-like men, devoted to serving him and established in the science of archery. Then, King Daśaratha began to consider their marriage rites. The righteous king, together with his teachers and relatives, pondered this matter. As he was thinking among his ministers, the great sage Viśvāmitra, of immense splendor, arrived, desiring an audience with the king. He spoke to the gatekeepers, commanding, "Quickly announce the arrival of Kauśika, the son of Gādhi." Hearing this, the attendants rushed to the king’s palace. Their minds agitated by the sage’s words, they approached the royal palace where Viśvāmitra was present and informed the king of the Ikṣvāku line of the sage’s arrival. Upon hearing this, the king, along with his priests, became attentive. With joy, the king went forth to meet the sage, as Indra would go to Brahmā. Seeing the ascetic, blazing with radiance and firm in his vows, the king, his face beaming with delight, offered him water for welcoming. The sage accepted the arghya from the king, according to scriptural rite. Viśvāmitra inquired about the king’s welfare and unchanging prosperity: in the city, the treasury, the country, among relatives and friends. The virtuous Kauśika also asked if all vassals and neighboring enemies had been subdued, and whether both divine and human duties had been properly performed. Meeting with Vasiṣṭha, the foremost sage, he inquired of his well-being too. The illustrious sage greeted the other seers present, as was proper. All, their hearts gladdened, entered the king’s residence. Honored by the king, they took their seats as was fitting. Then, Daśaratha, his mind delighted, addressed the great sage Viśvāmitra. With supreme generosity and joy, he said, "Your arrival is like nectar, like rain in a drought, like the birth of a son to one without children, like regaining what was lost, like the joy of great fortune.