-massing everywhere on the hills and in the forests and dividing themselves into gallant troops of their own. I have related to you all these noble acts; now hear what I have left untold.

In the city of Ayodhya there reigned a king who was a jewel of Raghu’s race; he was called Dasharath, a name renowned in the Vedas. He was a champion of righteousness, a repository of virtues and a man of wisdom; he was a sincere devotee of Vishnu (the wielder of the Sharnga bow) and his mind was also set on him.

Kausalya and his other loving consorts were all of chaste behaviour, faithful to their lord and full of humble and steadfast devotion to Hari’s lotus feet.

One day the king was sad at heart because he had no son. He hastened to his guru’s house and, falling at his feet, made many entreaties.

He told the guru all his joys and sorrows; the sage Vasishtha comforted him in many ways and said, “Take heart and wait; you will have four sons, who will be known throughout the three worlds and will relieve the votaries of their fears.”

Then Vaishtha summoned the sage Shringi and had an auspicious sacrifice performed for the birth of a son to the king. When the sage devoutly offered the oblations into the sacred fire, the Fire god appeared, bearing in his had the offering of rice boiled with milk.

Said the Fire god, “Whatever Vasishtha has purposed for you is fully accomplished. Take this oblation, king, and divide it and distribute the parts in due proportion.”