Incarnation of Sri Rama

Sloka 1-8: On the competition of the horse ritual of high-souled Dasharatha, the gods
having received their portion of sacrificial oblation returned to their abodes as they have
come. The king completing his vows held for horse ritual, entered Ayodhya city along
with the company of his queens, servants, guards and vehicles. The guest kings at the
sacrifice, having been duly honoured by that emperor, in a happy frame of mind, left for
their countries, after paying obeisance to the best among sages. At that time, those
prosperous armies of those kings, which were going from the capital city to their own
countries, shone with happiness and splendor. On the departure of visiting kings, then
that fortunate king Dasharatha entered the city Ayodhya, keeping eminent Brahman
priests ahead of him in the procession. Well adored by king Dasharatha sage
Rishyasringa also travelled along with his wife Shanta, followed by his father-in-law king
Romapada, and along the entourage of Romapada. Thus, having seen off all those
persons and having achieved his heart's desire, that king, thinking over the advent of his
sons, stayed there in a happy state of mind. On completion of the ritual six seasons have
passed by.

Sloka 9-20: Thereafter, at the end of the twelfth month, on the ninth day of Chaitra
month, when the ruling star of day is Punarvasu, when the presiding deity of ruling star of
the day is Aditi, when the five planets (Sun, Mars, Jupiter, Saturn, and Venus) are at their
highest position, when Jupiter with Moon is ascendant in Cancer. Kausalya gave birth to
her son Rama with all the divine attributes like lotus-red eyes, lengthy arms, roseate lips,
voice like drumbeat. Who was worshipped by all the worlds, greatly prosperous one and
the ecstasy of the Ikshvaku dynasty. Blessed with that son of illimitable radiance,
Kausalya shone brilliantly just like Aditi, due to her son Indra, the wielder of the
thunderbolt and the best among the gods. Queen Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata, one
embodied with all merits, whose truthfulness itself is his valour and who is fourth
component of manifest Vishnu. Queen Sumitra then gave birth to two sons who are the
embodied epitomes of Vishnu, namely Lakshmana, and Shatrughna, who are valiant ones
and experts in all kinds of weaponry. Bharatha of clear intellect was born when the star of
day was Pusyami and with the moon in the Pisces of the zodiac. The sons of Sumitra
were born under Cancer, where Aslesa is the star of the day and when sun is rising. Thus
there are four great-souled sons of Dasharatha, born on separate instances, who are
virtuous, charming, and by brilliance they are in similitude with two stars of each of the
purva bhadra and uttara bhadra. Gandharvas sang melodiously, groups of celestial
nymphs danced, heavenly drums sounded and there was a rain of flowers from the skies.
In Ayodhya with all this there is a great festivity with thronging people. The roads and
the streets were echoing with the sounds made by the milling crowds of actors, dancers,
singers and instrumentalists, as well by other onlookers. The king gave presents and gifts
to the Sutas, the Magadhas and the Vandis and to brahmans he gave funds and wealth in
the form of thousands of cows. After the passage of eleven days the naming ceremony is
performed.

Sloka 21-31: That high-souled eldest was named `Rama', the son of Kaikeyi as `Bharata',
one of the sons of Sumitra as `Lakshmana' and the other as `Satrughna' at that time by
Vasishta, who was extremely pleased. The king feasted the learned ones in the urban and
rural areas and also gifted to them endless heaps of precious stones. He also completed all
the rituals connected with the birth of the sons. Among those princes the eldest one
Rama, was a source of happiness for his father, like a fluttering flag and was most
acceptable to all beings like Lord Brahma. All of them were well-versed in the sacred
texts, valiant, all are interested in the welfare of the world, all are intellectuals and all of
them possess an air of probity. Even so, among them glorious was Rama, who was of real
valour and most beloved of all the worlds, like the spotless moon. He was an expert in
elephant-riding, horse-riding and the use of the chariot. In addition, he was an expert in
archery; he was also keen in devotedly serving his father. Right from childhood
Lakshmana, the enhancer of prosperity, very intimate and attached to his elder brother
Rama, who was making all the worlds extremely happy. Lakshmana who is endowed
with the wealth of dedication dedicated himself to Rama with bodily service, and while
performing all agreeable deeds in respect of Rama, he behaved like Rama's alter ego.
That best one among the men Rama does not get his sleep without Lakshmana and he
would not eat food brought for him, however delicious it may be, without Lakshmana.
Whenever Rama mounts a horse and goes on a hunting game Lakshmana rushes after him
wielding his bow as a squire. Lakshmana's younger brother Shatrughna is a dear one to
Bharata, like that Bharata too held Shatrughna dearer than his own lives.

Sloka 32-35: That Dasaratha appeared like Lord Brahma in the company of the gods with
those illustrious and lovable four sons and became extremely happy. All of them were
full of knowledge, endowed with all desirable attributes, sensitive to doing wrong acts
even inadvertently, well-renowned, very well informed and capable of foreseeing events.
The very moment he became the father of all those of dazzling brilliance, at that time
itself Dasaratha became happy like Lord Brahma the master of all the worlds. Also those
best among men were intent on studying the scriptural texts, given to serving elders and
adepts in archery.

Sloka 36-40: While things were so, that personification of righteousness, king Dasaratha,
in the company of his preceptors and relatives went into thought about the marriage of
these sons. While that high-souled king was thus in consultation with his ministers, the
great sage of extreme radiance Viswamitra arrived there. Desirous of seeing the king, he
commanded the guards at the gate of the palace: "Let the king be informed quickly that I,
the son of Gadhi from the dynasty of Kushi, have come." On listening those words all the
doorkeepers are dumbfounded, and ushered by those words they quickly rushed to the
place of Dasharatha. They having gone to the palace of the king then announced to the
king of the Ikshvaku dynasty about sage Viswamitra having arrived.

Sloka 41-47: Listening to those words of theirs, the king glad at heart and accompanied
by the family priest set out to receive him, with respectful attention, like Lord Indra going
out to receive Lord Brahma. Seeing that glorious sage given to strict observance of
austerities, the king offered water with a gladsome aspect, as first customary hospitality
in receiving unexpected guest. Accepting this honour, as laid down in the scriptures, the
sage made enquiries about the well-being and welfare of king Dasharatha and the
country. That highly righteous sage Vishvamitra enquired about the well-being of the
king in respect of the country, the treasury, the capital city, and relatives and friends.
Sage Vishvamitra asked Dasharatha, “Are your provincial kings behaving properly
towards you? Have your enemies been conquered? Are you observing all rites towards
gods and humans in the right manner?” And on meeting the eminent sage Vashishta and
with them the other exalted sages according to custom Vishvamitra asked after their well-
being. Then adoringly invited by the king Dasharatha and all of them so honoured by
Viswamitra, becoming greatly happy in mind, entered the royal assembly and then took
their seats befitting their status.

Sloka 48-58: Then the very generous king Dasharatha is gladdened at heart at the arrival
of Vishvamitra, and he spoke this way feeling happy to adore that sage. O! Great sage! I
consider your visit as mortals attaining ambrosia, rainfall in a droughty land, a barren
father begetting a son through his deserving wife. A regain of long lost treasures like the
happiness experienced at the turn of good fortune. O! Righteous One! You have come
here due to my good fortune. O! Learned One! I am ready to do whatever be the great
thing which will give you joy, by employing all means. You are the fittest recipient of
any gift. Now alone my life has become meaningful and the purpose of my having born
has become fulfilled. Initially you were a Rajarishi and later through austerities you have
attained the state and stature of a Brahmarishi, with penance. Hence, you have become
respectful for me, in ways more than one. O! Lord! On seeing you, I have attained the
merit of pilgrimage without actually going over a sacred place. Oh! Learned One! That
deed has made me extremely purified. May you inform me of the purpose of your visit
here. I feel that I am indeed blessed and ever intent on serving you. O! Scion of Kusika
clan! May you not hesitate regarding the matter which you should intimate about. I am
here to comprehensively carry out all that is your wish, as you are indeed my God. O!
Learned one! I have now attained this mighty fortune. All the auspiciousness connected
with your visit is great for me. Having listened to these words, which were gladdening to
the heart and soothing to the ears, spoken by the wise one in all humility, that great
sage,blessed with wide repute and enviable qualities, attained the pinnacle of joy.

Thus Ends Sarga 18 of the Bala Kanda of Valmiki Ramayana