RAMAYANA

1

---

The Beginning of the Ramayana

In the ancient kingdom of Ayodhya, ruled a noble and just king named Dasharatha. His reign was marked by peace and prosperity, yet his heart bore a sorrow that no wealth or conquest could soothe — he had no child to carry on his legacy. Despite having three queens — Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra — the palace halls remained silent, without the laughter of children.

The king sought solace in prayer, performing great sacrifices and yajnas. One day, guided by the wisest sages, Dasharatha undertook the Putrakameshti Yajna, a sacred ritual to invoke the blessings of the gods. The flames of the sacrificial fire blazed high, and from them arose a divine being bearing a golden bowl filled with sweetened nectar.

"Give this nectar to your queens," the celestial messenger said, "and they will each bear you sons who will bring glory to your name and righteousness to the world."

Overjoyed, the king divided the nectar among his three queens. In time, the blessings bore fruit: Queen Kausalya gave birth to Rama, a prince whose presence radiated kindness and strength. Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharata, and Sumitra bore two sons, Lakshmana and Shatrughna. The palace that had once felt empty now overflowed with joy and the sound of young voices.

Rama, the eldest and most beloved, stood out from the start. His every action reflected wisdom beyond his years, and he possessed a heart that was both courageous and compassionate. Wherever he went, people felt the presence of something divine — as though destiny itself walked alongside him.

Years passed, and the four princes grew into strong young men. They trained in the arts of warfare, mastered the sacred scriptures, and were bound by unshakable brotherly love. Among them, Rama and Lakshmana shared an especially close bond. Lakshmana, ever devoted, followed his elder brother like a shadow, ready to serve him in any way.

Yet even as joy filled the palace, forces beyond Ayodhya stirred in the shadows. Far away, in the land of Lanka, the powerful demon king Ravana plotted his rise to dominion over the three worlds. His ambition knew no bounds, and soon the fates of Rama and Ravana would collide — setting in motion a story of duty, sacrifice, and the eternal struggle between good and evil.

And so, the seeds of destiny were sown, and a journey that would shape the future of gods and mortals alike had begun.

.
.
.
.
.
.
.
.
To know more please do follow and read the book 🙃
Urs writer
-Sakshi