King Daśaratha, filled with joy at the birth of his sons, performed all the sacred rites and ceremonies appropriate to their ages. Among them, Rāma, his eldest, shone like a banner, bringing endless delight to his father’s heart. Once again, Daśaratha found himself honored among all beings, much like Svayambhū, for his sons were learned in the Vedas, heroic, and ever devoted to the welfare of the world. Each prince was endowed with knowledge and adorned with noble virtues. Yet, among them, Rāma stood out, radiant and steadfast in truth and valor. Beloved by all people and pure as the moon, Rāma excelled in riding elephants, horses, and driving chariots. He was deeply devoted to the science of archery and eager always to serve his father. From childhood, Lakṣmaṇa, increasing in good fortune, grew exceedingly affectionate. Lakṣmaṇa was always devoted to Rāma, his elder brother and the delight of the world. His devotion brought joy to all, and even comforted Rāma himself. Lakṣmaṇa, blessed with prosperity, was as dear to Rāma as his own vital breath; the best of men, Rāma, could not sleep without Lakṣmaṇa by his side. When delicious food was brought, Rāma would not eat without him. Whenever Rāma mounted his horse to go hunting, Lakṣmaṇa would follow, bow in hand, protecting him. Likewise, for Bharata, Śatrughna, Lakṣmaṇa’s younger brother, acted in the same loving, protective way. Lakṣmaṇa was always dearer to Śatrughna than life itself, and the feeling was mutual. Thus, King Daśaratha was cherished by his four illustrious sons. He became supremely delighted, like the Grandfather among the gods, seeing all his sons endowed with knowledge and adorned with virtues—modest, renowned, wise, and farsighted. Each shone with radiance and strength. Their father, Daśaratha, rejoiced like Brahmā, lord of the worlds, as his sons, tiger-like among men, devoted themselves to Vedic study and the science of archery. Seeing them mature, Daśaratha began to consider their marriage rites. The righteous king, together with his teachers and relatives, pondered this matter among his ministers. As they deliberated, the illustrious sage Viśvāmitra, resplendent and of immense spiritual power, arrived at the palace. Wishing to see the king, he spoke to the gatekeepers, “Quickly announce the arrival of Kauśika, son of Gādhi.” The attendants, their minds stirred by his words, hurried to the royal palace and informed King Daśaratha of Viśvāmitra’s arrival. Hearing this, the king, along with his priests, became attentive. With joy, he went forth to meet the great sage, just as Indra would approach Brahmā. Beholding the radiant ascetic, steadfast in his vows, Daśaratha’s face lit up with delight. He welcomed Viśvāmitra with the traditional arghya, the water offered in respect, which the sage accepted according to scriptural custom. Viśvāmitra then inquired after the king’s welfare and unchanging prosperity—about the city, the treasury, the country, and the well-being of his relatives and friends. The virtuous sage also asked if all the king’s vassals and neighboring enemies had been subdued, and whether both divine and human duties were being properly performed. Meeting Vasiṣṭha, the foremost sage, Viśvāmitra inquired after his well-being too, and greeted the other seers present, as was proper. All, their hearts gladdened, entered the king’s residence, where they were honored and seated suitably. The king, his mind delighted, addressed the great sage Viśvāmitra with deep reverence and joy: “Your arrival is like receiving nectar, like rain after a drought, like the birth of a son to one without children, like regaining what was lost, and like the joy of great fortune. O great sage, I consider your coming as such. Welcome! What is your highest wish? What can I do, so gladdened by your presence? “You are most worthy of my reverence. By great fortune you have come, bestower of honor. Today my birth is fulfilled, my life well-lived. Because I have seen the lord of Brāhmaṇas, my night has become truly auspicious. Once you were called a royal sage, but your brilliance was kindled by austerity. Now you have attained the status of a Brahmarṣi and are worthy of my manifold worship. This is a wondrous and supremely pure event for me. By your presence, O lord, I have entered a field of merit. Tell me, what is the purpose for which you have come? I wish to be favored by you and to contribute to your purpose. You, steadfast in vows, should not hesitate to state your request. I am indeed the agent in all things, yet you are my divine protector. This great fortune has come to me, and all this supreme righteousness arises from your arrival.” Hearing these words—so pleasing, humble, and sincere—spoken by the self-controlled and virtuous king, the eminent seer Viśvāmitra was filled with supreme joy. Now begins the nineteenth section of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa. Hearing the wondrous and detailed words of Daśaratha, the lion among kings, the radiant and mighty Viśvāmitra spoke, his hair standing on end. “Such conduct is fitting for you alone, O tiger among kings, and for none other on earth, born of a great lineage and bearing the name of Vasiṣṭha. What I hold in my heart, the resolve for this task, you must accomplish, O tiger among kings; be true to your promise.