Let not him who has not heard this story before he surprised to hear it. Wise men who hear this uncommon legend marvel not; for they know there is no limit to the stories of Rama in the world. They are convinced in their hearts, that Rama has in various forms become incarnate and that the Ramayana, though consisting of a thousand million verses, is yet measureless.

Great sages have sung the charming stories of Hari in different kalpas (aeons) and various ways. Bearing this in mind, do not entertain any doubt and hear this narrative with reverence and love.

Rama is infinite, infinite are his virtues and immeasurable the dimensions of his story. Those whose thoughts are pure will not therefore wonder when they hear it.

Banishing all doubts in this way and placing on my head the dust from the lotus feet of my preceptor, I supplicate all with folded hands once more so that no blame may attach to my telling of the story.

Reverently bowing my head to Shiva, I now proceed to recount the sacred tale of Rama’s virtues, laying my head on the feet of Hari I commence this story in the Samvat year 1631 (1574 A.D.)

On Tuesday, the ninth day of the lunar month of Chaitra, this story shed its lustre at Ayodhya. On this day of Rama’s birth – so say the Vedas – the presiding spirits of all holy places flock there.

And demons, serpents, birds, human beings, sages and gods come and pay their homage to Raghunayaka. Wise men celebrate the great birthday festival and sing the sweet renown of Rama.