Ayodhyākāndam

[...the subjects loved him as much as] their own life-breath existing outside of them. He had performed his ceremonial purifications after having mastered all branches of learning; and was properly versed in the Vedas The most ancient and sacred scriptures of India, forming the foundation of Hindu philosophy and ritual. along with their various branches. In the use of all weapons, whether empowered by mantras Sacred incantations used to summon or direct supernatural weapons. or of a conventional nature, Bharata's eldest brother Rama was superior even to his father.

And he was the source of all goodness; he was saintly, possessed of an undisturbed soul, truth-telling, and candid. He was humble toward the elderly twice-born original: dvija. A term for members of the three upper social classes who have undergone the spiritual initiation of the sacred thread ceremony. who were knowledgeable in the matters of virtue and worldly interest. He was well-acquainted with the principles of virtue, wealth, and pleasure original: dharma, artha, and kama. These are the traditional goals of human life in Hindu philosophy.; he possessed an excellent memory and great natural genius. He was an expert and well-versed in social customs and etiquette.

He was modest and kept his own counsel; he kept his intentions to himself and was highly resourceful. Neither his pleasure nor his displeasure was ever expressed without cause. He knew the proper seasons for accumulating wealth and the proper times for giving it away.

Furthermore, he was deeply reverent; his wisdom never faltered; he accepted no improper gifts; and he never used harsh or rough speech. He knew no idleness; he was ever vigilant; and he possessed a clear knowledge of his own failings as well as the failings of others. He was thoroughly conversant with the scriptures, was grateful for every kindness, and could read the hearts of others. He possessed the sagacity to perceive the right moments for showing favor or expressing disapproval.

He understood everything regarding the proper reception of the righteous, the maintenance of his family, and the appropriate occasions for punishing evil-doers. He was an expert in the collection of taxes and knew the prescribed methods for managing expenditures. He had attained proficiency in all the scriptures and literary works composed in both Sanskrit The classical, formal language of literature and ritual. and Prākrit The common vernacular or regional languages used in ancient India..

He sought pleasure without sacrificing either his interests or his morality, and he was never slow or dilatory in his duties. He understood the arts of those who entertained others. He knew the various categories on which wealth was to be spent. He was highly skilled in riding and training horses and elephants. He was the foremost of those accomplished in archery;