The wedded pair laid up in their hearts the image of the Lord who is so compassionate to his devotees and stayed for some time at the hermitage, and then, when their time was come, passed painlessly out of the body and took up their abode in Amaravati, the city of the immortals.

This most sacred legend was related by Shiva (who has a bull blazoned on his banner) to Parvati. Now, Bharadvaja, hear yet another cause of Rama’s birth.

Listen, sage, to an ancient and sacred legend as it was narrated by Shiva to Parvati. There is a principality, known to all the world, called Kaikaya, where a king named Satyaketu reigned.

He was a champion of virtue, versed in statecraft, dignified, glorious, amiable and powerful. He had two gallant sons, endowed with every virtue, very valiant warriors.

The elder son, heir to the throne, was named Pratapabhanu; the other son was called Arimardana, who was unequalled in strength of arm and steady (like a rock) in battle.

The two brothers lived in perfect concord and their mutual affection was free from all blemish and guile. To the elder son the king resigned the realm and withdrew into the forest to devote himself to Hari.

When Pratapabhanu became king, his succession was proclaimed throughout the land. He looked after his subjects as the Vedas enjoined, and there was not a speck of sin anywhere in the realm.