THE RAMAYANA The "March of Rama," an ancient Indian epic traditionally attributed to the sage Valmiki.

THE BOOK OF AYODHYA Ayodhya Kandam: The second of the seven books of the Ramayana, focusing on events in the royal capital of Ayodhya.

SECTION I.

WHEN Bharata Rama's younger brother, born to Queen Kaikeyi. set out for the home of his maternal uncle, he affectionately took with him the sinless Satrughna Rama's youngest brother, twin to Lakshmana. who was ever repressing his passions. The translator clarifies that the original Sanskrit term nityaçatrughnaḥ literally means "ever vanquishing his foes," but suggests it refers here to internal spiritual victory over one's own impulses. And there he stayed with his brother, being cared for in every respect and tended by his maternal uncle, Ashwapati The King of Kekaya., with all the fondness of a father. The text notes he was treated with the specific affection usually reserved for a biological son. Even though they stayed there, with every comfort provided for them as much as they could desire, those heroic brothers did not fail to remember the aged king Dasharatha. And the powerful king also, on his part, remembered his sons who were away from home, Bharata and Satrughna, who resembled the mighty gods Indra The king of the gods and ruler of the heavens. and Varuna The god of the celestial oceans and justice.. All those four chiefs of men were dear to him, as if they were four hands belonging to his own body. Yet among them all, the highly energetic Rama was the favorite of his father. He was the greatest of all in every virtue, like the Self-Existent One original: Sayambhu, an epithet for Brahma, the creator god. himself in the esteem of all creation. At the request of the celestial beings who desired the destruction of the demon-king Ravana, he—who is the eternal Vishnu The Supreme Being and Preserver of the universe.—was born as Rama.