Thus the devotees sing his glory and cross the sea of worldly existence; it is for the sake of his votaries that the compassionate Lord assumes a body. The causes of Rama’s birth are many, each more wonderful than the others.

I will relate one or two such births at some length; please listen with attention, O wise Bhavani. Hari had two loving gate-keepers. Jaya and Vijaya, as all men know.

Due to the curse of certain Brahmans (Sanaka and his three brothers) these two brothers were born again in the form of the malignant demons, Hiranyakashipu and Hiranyaksha. They became known throughout the world as the tamers of the pride of Indra (the king of heaven).

Triumphant in battle were they, these warriors renowned. Assuming the form of a boar, Hari slew one of the brothers (viz., Hiranyaksha), the, as a Man-Lion, he killed the other (Hiranyakashipu) and spread the glorious renown of his devotee, Prahlada (Hiranyakashipu’s son).

It is these two brothers that were born again as demons, powerful and most valiant in battle, Ravana and Kumbhakarna, who were great warriors and, as all men know, conquerors of the gods.

Even though slain by the Lord, the two brothers (Hiranyaksha and Hiranyakashipu) did not win salvation; for the Brahman’s curse was to prevail for three lives. It was on their account that the cherisher of the faithful put on mortal form.

This time Kashyapa and Aditi were his parents, and their names were Dasharath and Kausalya. This was how in one aeon (round of creation) the Lord descended from heaven and performed holy deeds in the world.