Rama was a man of extraordinary qualities: intelligent and wise in his conduct, eloquent in speech, prosperous, and a destroyer of his enemies. He was broad-shouldered and long-armed, his neck curved like a conch shell, and his jaw was strong and prominent. His chest was expansive, and he wielded mighty bows; his collarbones were hidden beneath his flesh, and his arms extended down to his knees. Rama’s head was well-shaped, his forehead beautiful, and he was valiant beyond compare. His form was perfectly proportioned, each limb in harmony with the rest. His complexion shone with a radiant luster, and he brimmed with vigor. His chest was broad, his eyes large and expressive, and he bore the marks of fortune and auspiciousness. Rama was deeply versed in righteousness, ever truthful, devoted to the welfare of his people, renowned for his wisdom, pure in spirit, self-controlled, and unwavering in his resolve. Majestic in his bearing like the creator himself, Rama was prosperous and steadfast, a supporter and protector of all beings, a guardian of righteousness, and a destroyer of evil. He upheld his own dharma and that of his people, knew the essence of the Vedas and their branches, and was accomplished in the science of archery. The essence of all scriptures was known to him, and he was ever mindful and perceptive, loved by all, virtuous, undisturbed by adversity, and discerning. The virtuous were ever drawn to him, as rivers flow to the ocean. He was noble, impartial to all, and always pleasant to behold. Rama embodied all virtues and was the joy of his mother Kausalya. In depth he was like the ocean, in patience like the Himalaya. In valor he resembled Vishnu, in pleasing appearance the moon, in wrath the fire of destruction, and in forgiveness the earth itself. In renouncing wealth, he was another embodiment of righteousness, steadfast in truth and virtue. Rama, the beloved eldest son of King Dasharatha, possessed all the virtues befitting his seniority. He was devoted to the welfare of the people and won their affection through his desire to please them. Out of deep affection, the king wished to appoint Rama as his successor. But when preparations for Rama’s consecration began, Kaikeyi, the king’s wife who had been granted boons in the past, claimed her wishes: she demanded Rama’s exile and the installation of her son Bharata as heir. Bound by his promises and the demands of righteousness, King Dasharatha, though his heart ached for his beloved son, sent Rama into exile. Rama, true to his vow, obeyed his father’s command and departed to the forest, seeking to fulfill Kaikeyi’s wish. His devoted brother Lakshmana, humble and loving, followed him, bringing joy to their mother Sumitra. Rama’s beloved wife, Sita—born in Janaka’s house, as if fashioned by divine illusion, adorned with all auspicious marks and the foremost among women—also joined him, her devotion unwavering, as inseparable from Rama as Rohini is from the moon. As Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana set out, the people of Ayodhya and King Dasharatha accompanied them a long way. At the city of Shringavera, on the banks of the Ganga, Rama dismissed his charioteer and met Guha, the righteous and beloved chief of the Nishadas. Together with Guha, Sita, and Lakshmana, Rama crossed many great rivers and entered the forest. By the sage Bharadvaja’s guidance, they arrived at Chitrakuta, where they built a pleasant dwelling and found enjoyment in the forest, living like gods and gandharvas. Yet, while Rama dwelled at Chitrakuta, his father Dasharatha, consumed by grief for his son, passed away and ascended to heaven. After Dasharatha’s passing, Bharata, urged by the sage Vasishta and the foremost brahmins, was asked to take up the kingdom. But Bharata, mighty and noble, had no desire for the throne. He journeyed to the forest, seeking Rama’s favor, and with reverence and noble conduct, entreated his elder brother to return and rule, declaring Rama alone to be the rightful king and knower of righteousness. Rama, supremely generous, gracious, and renowned, remained steadfast to his father’s command and declined the kingdom. Instead, he entrusted his sandals to Bharata as a symbol of rule. Rama persuaded his younger brother to return, and though his wish was unfulfilled, Bharata touched Rama’s feet and returned to Nandigrama. There, the illustrious, truthful, and self-controlled Bharata governed, ever awaiting Rama’s return. Meanwhile, Rama, perceiving the approach of townspeople, focused his mind and entered the Dandaka forest. In that great wilderness, the lotus-eyed Rama slew the demon Viradha and encountered the sage Sharabhanga. He also met Sutikshna, Agastya, and Agastya’s brother. By Agastya’s word, Rama received Indra’s bow, as well as a sword and inexhaustible quivers, filling him with delight. While Rama dwelled in the forest among the forest-dwellers, all the sages came to him, seeking relief from the menace of demons and asuras. Rama promised to destroy these demons for the sake of the sages, who were as pure as fire and resided in the Dandaka forest. He vowed to slay the demons in battle for the protection of the holy ones. During his stay, the demoness Surpanakha, who could change her form at will and lived in Janasthana, was disfigured. At her urging, the demons Khara, Trishiras, Dushana, and their followers rose up in anger. Rama, dwelling in that forest among the people of Janasthana, slew them all in battle, protecting the sages and fulfilling his promise.