The sage) Kashyapa and (his wife)Aditi practised severe penance; to them I have already granted a boon. They have taken birth in the city of Ayodhya as Dasharath and Kausalya, a royal pair.

In their house I shall become incarnate as four brothers, the pride of the house of Raghu. I shall fulfil all that Narada predicted and descend to earth with my supreme energy (my eternal consort).

I shall relieve the earth of all its burden; be fearless, O company of gods.” As the divine voice from heaven reached the gods’ ears, they straightway returned with their hearts comforted.

Then Brahma consoled Earth, who was rid of all fear and felt reassured in her heart.

Then Brahma returned to his own realm after thus instructing the gods: “Assume, each of you, the form of a monkey and go to the earth and wait on the feet of Hari.”

All the gods went to their several homes along with Earth; they all felt relieved in their hearts. The gods were delighted to receive the orders that Brahma gave and lost no time in carrying them out.

They assumed the form of monkeys on the earth, of incomparable strength and power. They were all mighty warriors and had mountains, trees and claws for their weapons. Resolute of mind, they awaited the advent of Hari,-