Long long ago there was a kingdom banks of river sarayu. The waves of the city of ayodhya. The waves of the river lapped against the banks and played with the reflections of gardens, groves, palaces and cornfield mirrored in the water. King dasaratha ruled over the land. He had three queens, kausalya, sumitra and kaikayi, the youngest who was the kings favourite. In spite of all his wealth and popularity, Dasaratha was very unhappy for he had no children. Then one day a sage vasishtha said to him, if you perform the putrakameshi yagna, O king, your wish will be granted. Dasarath did as he had been advised and in time the three queens bore sons. On the ninth of chaitra, Queen kausalya gave birth to rama. soon afterwards, kaikayi gave birth to bharata and last sumitra gave birth to lakshman and shatrughn. There was great rejoicing in ayodhya and dasaratha gave away food, clothes and money to the poor. As they grew up, the four prince played happily together in the gardens and palaces. They loved one another and looked up to rama as their leader. Rama and lakshamana were inseparable and so we're bharata and shatrughn. Of the four prince, the king was fondest rama. When the prince were older, they were taught the scripture and the art of warfare. They were about sixteen years old when one the sage vishwamitra came to dasaratha court. Vishwamitra had once been powerful king, but he had renounced his kingdom to lead the life of a sage. Dasaratha welcomed him warmly. I am honoured by your visit, O great sage. what can I do for you? I shall be proud and happy to fulfill your slightest wish. Dasaratha replied with pride, dasaratha will never fail to fulfill your wish. You have only speak and your wish will be carried out. Vishwamitra smiled and said, give me your son rama. I need his help to destroy the monster who torment me and defile my preparations for a religious rite I have vowed to perform. Dasaratha was filled with dismay. Rama? But Rama is even sixteen ! How can he fight those fearsome monsters? Let me go instead or let me send my army. Ask for anything except my rama, O sage. Vishwamitra was furious. so you refuse to give me what I want, after all your promises! I have not asked for anything impossible. Had I chosen the religious life, I could have killed the monsters myself ! Fearing trouble, vasistha said to dasaratha, you must keep your word, O king, as benefits a descendant of raghu. Have no fear. Rama will be safe with vishwamitra and he he will learn a great deal from him. Dasaratha was not happy but he could not refuse vishwamitra any longer. Let lakshaman also go, he said. The two prince took leave of their parents and set off with vishwamitra. Soon they came to wild and terrifying land full of dark, sinister shadows. This is where the monster tatka lives, said the sage. she has killed every living creature around here and attacks all travellers. She has no right to live. slay her Rama and make the countryside safe for people. As they were talking, Tatka appeared and rushed at them with a fearful roar. Rama and lakshamana fought and killed her Vishwamitra was very pleased. He gave them special weapons and taught them how use them. Ultimately they reached Siddhashrama, the hermitage of vishwamitra. The sage asked the prince to keep watch and began his ceremonies. At first all went well but on the sixth day the monster came, led by subhahu and maricha. Rama turned to face them without a sign of fear. He raised his bowand shot at maricha. The arrow flew straight to it's mark and with such force that maricha was carried a long distance away. Rama then fitted another arrow to his bow and shot subahu dead. The other monsters raised a fearful cry and fled for their lives! Vishwamitra was able to finish his rites in peace. His mission being accomplished Rama asked the rishi, Tellis your holiness, is there anything else we can do for you? The sage replied, i am pleased with both of you. I want you to go with me to the court of janaka, King of videha. He is about to perform a magnificent religious ceremony. I am going with my disciples. Come along and see the haradhanu, Janaks wonderful bow! "So they went to videha. Janaka welcomed his guests. " who are these handsome young men maharishi? "he asked. They are Rama and lakshamana, sons of dasaratha, king of ayodhya. I have brought them to see your wonderful bow, the haradhanu. king ordered his attendants to bring the haradhanu to show to the young prince. The bow was in a huge iron box on an eight-wheeled cart which was pushed in by a strong man. "I have promised, said janaka to vishwamitra, to give my daughter sita in marriage to the man who can bend and string this bow. Many famous prince have tried, but in vain. Would either of your young companions like to try?
vishwamitra looked at rama. come, my son, take a look at the haradhanu. Rama came forward and opened the box. Shall I lift it and string it? he asked.
yes, said the sage, if you can. Rama lifted the bow with ease. He bent it and pulled the string on the with such force that with a clang the bow snapped in two! everyone looked at Rama with amazement and wonder. Janaka was overwhelmed with joy. At last he had found a worthy match for sita! there was great jubilation in the city. Messengers were sent to dasaratha with the good news asking him for his blessings and requesting him to come to videha for the wedding of Rama and sita. Dasaratha came immediately, accompanied by bharata and shatrughn and his retinue. There was great rejoicing. Brides were found for all the four prince. sita was given in marriage to rama, janakas second daughter urmila to lakshamana,janaks brother kushadhwajs daughters mandavi and shrukirti to bharata and shatrughn.
janaka gave sita his blessing saying, may you always be the shadow of Rama. Then the marriage party returned to ayodhya where a great welcome awaited them. The years passed and the prince grew up to be strong and dutiful. Dasaratha was now old and had transferred many of his Royal duties to Rama. The people of ayodhya loved Rama, and so did everyone at the court. to Dasaratha, Rama was dearer than his own life. Bharata, accompanied by shatrughn, had gone to visit his grandfather, the king of kaikeya. Meanwhile dasaratha decided to hold a grand ceremony to proclaim Rama as the crown prince. Dasaratha summoned his ministers, his vassals and members of other Royal Families. In grave voice he addressed them, all these years I have ruled and protected you. I am now old and weak and need rest, but my son Rama is worthy to succeed me. I would like him to be the crown prince and to take up my duties if you are agreeable. Tell me what I should do. I shall abide by whatever you decide. A thunderous roar of approval greeted king dasaratha words. Then the king said, a good deed should not be delayed, my people. Let us have the ceremony tomorrow morning.
The news spread fast and the city went mad with joy. People throned the streets discussing the happy event. Decorations were put up and preparations made for the morrow.