All were satisfied in their hearts, and on all sides they invoked blessings on his head, saying, “May all the sons of Dasharath live long, those lords of Tulasidasa!”

Some days were spent in this manner; day and night passed by unnoticed, knowing that the time had come for naming the children, the king sent for the enlightened sage Vasishtha.

After paying him homage the king spoke to him thus, “Be pleased, O sage, to name them as you have secretly determined.” “O king,” said the sage, “many and marvellous are their names, but I will name them according to the measure of my understanding.

The eldest boy of yours, who is the ocean of felicity and embodiment of joy, one drop of which fills the three spheres with delight, shall be called ‘Rama’, the very home of bliss and the comforter of all the worlds.

Your second son, who sustains and supports the universe, shall be named ‘Bharata’; and he the very thought of whom destroys one’s enemies shall be called ‘Shatrughna’, a name renowned in the Vedas.

On him who is the abode of noble traits, beloved of Rama and the mainstay of the whole world, the guru Vasishtha bestowed the splendid name of Lakshmana.

The preceptor gave these names after careful thought and then said, “Your four sons, O king, are the true essence of the Vedas (are none but the Lord himself). Of them Rama is the sages’ treasure, the devotee’s all in all and Shiva’s vital breath; he takes delight in the rapture of childish sports.”