1.1 THE BIRTH OF RAMA
Ayodhya was a magnificent city on the banks of the river Sarayu in Kosala Country. The people of the city lived a happy and contented life as they were ruled by a wonderful king called Dasharatha. He cared for his people very deeply. King Dasahratha had three wives, Kaushalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. Kaushalya was the eldest queen. Though the king loved all his wives deeply, it was Kaikeyi, his youngest queen who was his favourite.But in spite of leading such a good life. Dasahratha was still an unhappy man.This was because he had no children. He was getting old and had no son to ascend to the throne. Unable to see the king being sad, the sages advised him to undertake a yagna and pray for children. Heeding to their advice, he performed the yagna and pleased with him, Agni, the fire God, emerged out of the fire pit, handed over a cup containing sweetened milk to the king, and on seeing this, Dasahratha was delighted. He thanked Agni for this boon and in the royal chamber, gave Kaushalya half of the kheer. He divided the remaining kheer into two portions and gave one portion to Sumitra and the other one to Kaikeyi. Subsequently all the three queens gave birth to sons, Kaushalya gave birth to Rama, after which Bharata was born to Kaikeyi and later on Sumitra gave birth to Lakshmana and Shatrugna.King Dasahratha was very happy and so were the people of Ayodhya.With great rejoice, they celebrated the birth of the four princes. Dasharatha loved all his sons but Rama was his dearest. He was very proud of his handsome eldest son and could not bear to be away from him even for a moment.
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