Lakṣmaṇa, ever vigilant and devoted, would walk behind his elder brother Rāma, bow in hand, guarding him with unwavering loyalty. In the same way, Śatrughna, the younger brother of Lakṣmaṇa, watched over Bharata with equal care and affection. The bond between these brothers was deep and cherished—each held the other dearer than life itself. Thus, King Daśaratha was blessed with four illustrious sons who loved and honored him dearly. With all his sons endowed with wisdom and adorned with noble virtues, Daśaratha’s heart overflowed with delight, much like the Grandfather of the gods himself. His sons were modest, renowned, farsighted, and radiant with strength; in every way, they shone with power and virtue. Their father, Daśaratha, rejoiced like Brahmā, the lord of all worlds, for his sons were not only mighty but also devoted to Vedic study and the service of their father. They excelled in the science of archery, and their conduct brought their father endless joy. Seeing his sons so accomplished, Daśaratha began to consider the time for their marriage. The righteous king, together with his teachers and relatives, pondered this matter carefully. As he deliberated among his ministers, a great and extraordinary event occurred: the renowned sage Viśvāmitra, radiant with spiritual splendor, arrived at the palace, seeking an audience with the king. He instructed the gatekeepers, “Announce at once the arrival of Kauśika, the son of Gādhi.” The attendants, stirred by the sage’s words, hurried to the king’s palace, their minds filled with awe. Approaching the royal residence, they informed King Daśaratha of Viśvāmitra’s arrival. Hearing this, the king, along with his priests, became alert and attentive. With great joy, Daśaratha went forth to greet the sage, just as Indra would approach Brahmā. He beheld the ascetic, blazing with radiance and steadfast in his vows. Daśaratha, his face beaming with delight, offered Viśvāmitra water for welcoming, performing the ritual with reverence. The sage accepted the arghya according to sacred custom. Viśvāmitra inquired after the king’s well-being and enduring prosperity: whether all was well in the city, the treasury, the kingdom, among relatives and friends. He also asked whether the king’s vassals and neighboring enemies were under control, and whether both divine and human duties were being properly fulfilled. Meeting with Vasiṣṭha, the foremost sage, Viśvāmitra also inquired after his welfare, and greeted all the other seers present as was appropriate. With hearts gladdened, they all entered the king’s residence. There, honored by Daśaratha, the sages took their seats as befitted their status. The king, his heart filled with happiness, addressed the great sage Viśvāmitra. Overflowing with generosity and reverence, Daśaratha spoke: “Your arrival is like nectar to me, like rain after a drought, like the birth of a son to one without children, like regaining something lost, like the joy of great fortune. O great sage, I welcome you! Tell me, what is your highest wish? What can I do, gladdened as I am by your presence? You are worthy of my deepest reverence. By good fortune you have come, O bestower of honor. Today my birth is fulfilled, and my life has found its purpose. Because I have seen you, the lord of Brāhmaṇas, this night has become truly auspicious. Once you were known as a royal sage, but your brilliance has grown through austerity. Now you have attained the status of a Brahmarṣi, and are worthy of my highest worship. This is a wondrous and supremely pure event for me. By your presence, I have entered a field of merit. Tell me your purpose in coming here. I wish to be favored by you and to contribute to your aim. You, steadfast in vows, should not hesitate to state your request. Though I am the agent in all things, you are my divine protector. This is my great fortune, and all righteousness arises from your arrival.” Hearing these humble and heartfelt words, spoken with sincerity by the self-controlled and virtuous king, the eminent sage Viśvāmitra was filled with supreme joy. Now begins the nineteenth section of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Bāla Kāṇḍa. Hearing the king’s wondrous and generous words, the radiant Viśvāmitra, his hair standing on end with emotion, replied: “Such conduct is fitting for you alone, O tiger among kings, and for none other on earth, for you are born of a great lineage and bear the name of Vasiṣṭha. What I hold in my heart, the resolve for which I have come, you must fulfill, O king—stay true to your promise. “I am engaged in a sacred vow, but two demons, capable of assuming any form at will, obstruct my efforts. Whenever my vow is near completion, these two powerful and cunning demons, Mārīca and Subāhu, appear. They shower the altar with streams of flesh and blood, and by defiling the sacrifice, they prevent its completion. Exhausted and discouraged, I am forced to withdraw from the place, yet I do not let anger overcome me. “This is the situation, and the curse upon them remains unlifted. Therefore, O king, I ask you to give me your son Rāma, whose valor is true. Give me your eldest son, the heroic youth with hair as dark as a crow’s wing. Protected by my own divine power, he is more than capable. He will destroy those demons who spoil the sacrifice, and I shall shower him with manifold blessings—there is no doubt of this. Through him, fame will spread throughout the three worlds, for those two cannot stand against Rāma in any way.