King Dasaratha, overjoyed by the birth of his four sons to his queens, rewarded his subjects with great generosity. Gold coins, silver, precious stones, and ornaments were lavishly distributed among the people of Ayodhya—city folk, forest dwellers, and the residents of valleys and mountains alike. The Brahmins were granted fertile lands, cows, oxen, and chariots. Such was the king’s bounty that it took a considerable number of men to carry the gifts, and the entire city buzzed with excitement.
The king’s counsellors and priests diligently oversaw the rites of passage for the royal children, from their christening to their cradle ceremony, formal education, and the sacred thread ceremony, all performed in perfect order and at the proper time. Each of Dasaratha’s sons was raised with strict discipline and responsibility. They were instructed in the use of the sword, spear, and bow, and mastered the art of riding horses, chariots, and elephants in battle. Their education extended beyond warfare, as they excelled in the study of the Vedas, Upanishads, and ancient histories.
Rama, the eldest, showed exceptional skill in war strategy, weaponry, and military tactics at a very young age. Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna followed his example, and their bond of understanding, respect, and interdependence was a great source of joy for Dasaratha. The king delighted in their bravery, righteousness, kindness, and accessibility to both the common people and the nobility.
One day, as Dasaratha sat surrounded by his relatives, contemplating the future marriages of his sons, news arrived of a most distinguished visitor—Brahmarshi Vishwamitra had come to Ayodhya. The sage had instructed the messenger, “Go and tell the king, Vishwamitra, son of Gadhi from the Kusika lineage, seeks an audience with him.” The guards awed and slightly fearful of the great sage’s presence, hurried to inform the King.
Dasaratha, accompanied by his trusted advisor Vasistha, welcomed the sage with traditional reverence and escorted him to the royal court. There, Vishwamitra greeted the king and inquired, “Are you free from disasters? Are your people healthy and prosperous? Is your treasury abundant, and do your vassal kings remain obedient? Have you conquered your enemies, and are your religious duties conducted without hindrance? Do you employ the strategies of peace, diplomacy, generosity, and force when needed to maintain law and order?”
King Dasaratha, known for his patronage of the righteous and holy, responded with humility: “O great sage Vishwamitra, your arrival is like a gift of immortality, as if you have brought me the nectar of the gods. Though you are a Rajarshi, your severe penance has elevated you to the level of a Devarshi. Your presence has made my palace sacred. Whatever brings you here, command me, and I shall fulfill it without hesitation. Surely your visit comes with a great purpose, and I am ready to serve.”
Pleased by the king’s humility and hospitality, Vishwamitra revealed his request: “O King, I am conducting a sacred ritual, but it is being interrupted by two demons—Maricha and Subahu—who desecrate the fire pit with bones, blood, and flesh. This has happened repeatedly, and I can no longer tolerate it. I have come to you for help. Send your son Rama with me, and I will empower him to defeat these demons. Though I could curse them myself, I must observe silence and renounce anger during this period of ritual. Rama, though young, is full of strength, valour, and determination. He alone can vanquish these demons and bring glory to the Ikshvaku dynasty. Do not let your love for your son blind you to his true power and the divine purpose behind his birth. Seek the counsel of Vasistha and your ministers, and send Rama with me.”
Upon hearing this, Dasaratha was struck with fear and fainted. Regaining his composure, he implored the sage, “O Vishwamitra, I beg you to reconsider! I had these children late in life, and Rama, my eldest, is only twelve years old. He is not yet fully trained in warfare, nor does he possess divine weapons. How can I send him into battle against such formidable demons? Let me lead my armies instead, with cavalry, elephants, and chariots. I will fight these demons myself! I have never known defeat and am well-versed in the art of war. My forces are seasoned and capable—allow me to take on this task.”
Vishwamitra’s face darkened with anger at the king’s refusal, his fiery presence like that of an incarnate of Agni, the god of fire. With a calm yet stern voice, the sage responded: “Dasaratha, understand this well—the fate of your son is not in your hands alone, but in the hands of destiny. Know that the divine has a plan for Rama, and only he can accomplish what is required.”
The tension in the court grew as all awaited the king’s response, and the events that followed would shape the course of history.
