1. Aranya Part

1. Narada relates the story of Rama to Valmiki

The magnanimous, handsome and illustrious Rama was about to be enthroned in the kingdom after his retiring father, when one of his father's queens cashed in on a promise made to her and demanded that her own son, Bharata, was put on the throne and Rama sent into exile. The king, bound by his past promise, agreed to send his dear son Rama into exile. In consequence, Rama refused to accept the throne, for he preferred to carry out a command of his father and go into exile in the forest instead.

Rama, his wife Sita and his helping brother Lakshmana went from forest to forest and eventually built a pleasant hut and dwelt happily in the forest a the Chittrakuta Mountain. Sages and ascetics lived in the forest too but they were constantly harassed by demons. Rama agreed to slay them in order to preserve the sages and hermits who sought his help.

Wicked Rakshasas came there to enter into combat with Rama, and were slain by him. Fourteen thousand Rakshasas who dwelt in that forest were destroyed by Rama. He shot them all.

Afterwards the demon Maricha went to Rama's hermitage. There, Maricha lured Rama and Lakshmana away from their retreat, and Ravana, after slaying vulture Jatayu, carried Sita away through the air in a chariot for such travels.

When he learnt what had happened to Sita, Rama was overwhelmed with grief and began to lament. Afterwards he slew one more demon.

On the banks of Lake Pampa, Rama met Hanuman. Rama told his story to him, particularly that which concerned Sita's abduction. The yellow-eyed monkey Sugriva listened to the story too, and entered into a pact of friendship with Rama. Soon after, Rama helped Sugriva become king of monkeys, by shooting another monkey for him.

The vulture chief, Sampati, told Hanuman where Sita was, and Hanuman leapt over the sea to Lanka, a distance of five hundred miles and beheld Sita in a garden there. After slaying several demons he burnt the whole of Lanka, only sparing the place where Sita dwelt. Hanuman then jumped back to Rama and told in detail how he had discovered Sita.

Rama set out towards the sea with Sugriva, his monkey army and others. The Lord of the waters, Samudra, appeared before Rama. Under his direction, Nala, the son of a great builder, threw a bridge over the ocean. By this, Rama reached Lanka after slaying the ten-headed Ravana in battle. He recovered Sita, revived all the monkeys and titans who had fallen in battle, and was later enthroned in his father's kingdom.

With Rama on the throne, the people of Ayodhya were happy, satisfied and virtuous, as also free from sickness, sorrow, famine and danger. There was no danger from tempest, none perished by water, nor was there any cause of fear from fire. Fever and plague were unknown. There was no want and no danger from thieves; cities and villages were rich and prosperous. All lived happily.

Rama gave hundreds of thousands of cows in charity and bestowed immense wealth on the brahmins and ruled for eleven thousand years.

2. Valmiki creates the metrical form for the story

The sage Valmiki wanted to bathe in his bark robe in the river Tamasa, close to the Ganges: "How pure is the water of the holy river, verily it is clear and pleasant like the mind of a good man."

After the bath, Valmiki wandered about in the forest when he saw a hunter ruthlessly shooting a mating, male crane that was happy and cooing with delight. Valmiki was filled with compassion with the dying male bird. Touched by the cries of the female bird and incenced by the cruel deed of the hunter he cursed him a lot. Afterwards he reflected on what he had said: "What words are these that I have uttered, inspired by compassion?"

He pondered awhile, and then said: "Grieving for the dying bird, I have recited this verse of four feet, each of equal syllables, which can be sung to the vena*! May it bring me renown and may no ill be spoken of me on account of this."

*Veena: an Indian stringed instrument.

A disciple committed to memory the curse of Valmiki. After bathing in bark clothes, Valmiki returned to his hermitage. There Brahma the Creator greeted him and said: "Let that curse in rhythmic phrase, spontaneously uttered, be poetry! Now tell the whole story of Rama. Describe all the known and hitherto unknown deeds of Rama, Sita and the rakshasas (evil spirits)."

When Brahma had vanished from there, Valmiki and his disciple were filled with amazement and read Valmiki's curse again and again, and their delight grew. They realised that sorrow had been expressed in poetic form. Valmiki then meditated on the Lord within his soul, and it occurred to him to tell the story of Rama in similar verse as the curse. For the good of the world. Valmiki went on and composed the story of the life of Rama and of the slaying of Ravana in stanzas.

3. The deeds of Rama that will be described

Valmiki wished to know more, and passed into deep meditation. In it he saw the history of Rama, all that Rama, Sita and Lakshmana had experienced, observed and done, and in detail.

He saw Hanuman's leap to Lanka, his slaying of Ravana's guards and the burning of Lanka by him, the re-crossing of the sea, the destruction of Ravana, the re-union with Sita, the crowning of Rama as King in Ayodhya,, the farewell to the monkey army, the rejoicings of his subjects at the coronation, the repudiation of Sita.

Valmiki saw it as clearly as if it were a fruit placed on the palm of the hand, and then began to describe the life of Rama in verse.

4. Rama's sons chant the poem

After composing the poem, Valmiki reflected, "To whom shall I teach it?" Two princes lived in his hermitage at the time, so Valmiki instructed them in the poem. The princes skilfully recited the poem, which extols virtue, dharma.

On a particular occasion, they chanted the epic in Rama's assembly. Virtue-loving sages were delighted to hear it and praised the brothers, Kusha and Lava, saying: "That which had happened long ago seemed to be taking place at this moment - so sensitively did you two express it. This wonderful poem will promote wisdom in those who listen. It is able to charm the heart."

Rama himself passed that way and looked approvingly on the two youths. The princes tuned their veenas and chanted the poem, while King Rama was deeply moved.

5. King Dasaratha's kingdom and capital

On the banks of the River Sarayu there was a great and prosperous country named Koshala, inhabited by contented people. Its capital was the city of Ayodhya. It was filled with big buildings and beautiful gardens and surrounded by mango groves, tall trees enhancing the outskirts.

6. The city of Ayodhya

King Dasaratha in Ayodha was learned in the Vedas, his chief wealth being pre-eminence in truth and virtue; he never broke his word.

The people in the capital were happy, virtuous, learned, and of truthful speech. All lived happily with their families, cattle and horses. No one was not endowed with beauty and wealth.

Ayodhya abounded in warriors who looked like lions. There were also mighty elephants of colossal strength as large as hills. Also, the capital had gates and solid locks.

7. The administration of the kingdom

King Dasaratha had extracted the thorns from his kingdom, for he had wise counsellors and skilled physiognomists. The seer Vasishtha also assisted the king. There were other counsellors too. Among them were priests who were skilled in the use of arms. They knew what their enemies were doing or intended to do. Such were King Dasaratha's ministers.

8. The king decides to perform a sacrifice for the birth of a son

The king was without an heir to the throne. As a result he let loose a horse. The learned brahmins led by the sage Vasishtha approved: "You have decided on the proper course."

The horse was allowed to wander at will. Warriors followed it and protected it.

The king entered his private apartments where the queens lived. They loved the king from the depth of their hearts. He told them: "I intend to get a son, and have let loose a horse for it." The queens rejoiced and their faces brightened.

9. Sumantra relates a tradition that a son will be born through the help of the sage Rishyashringa

The trusted Sumantra was the king's chief minister. He told him: "Listen to an ancient tale I have heard."

King Dasaratha was delighted.

10. He describes how Rishyashringa was brought to King Romapada's court

Sumantra told the king: "There was a king who brought a horned young sage to his court. The sage had lived in the forest and was unacquainted with women.

"The king's courtiers said to him: 'By means he is unacquainted with we shall bring the sage to the court. Let lovely courtesans go there and bring him here.'

"The king approved, and the courtesans entered the forest, settled near the young sage's hermitage and began to amuse themselves within sight of the ascetic. As far as he recalled he had not seen a grown-up woman.

"One day the horned youth went out of the hermitage and beheld those beautiful women dressed in many-coloured robes of exquisite design, and singing sweetly. They all approached him. Never having seen beautiful, charming women before, the young sage invited them home.

"They all accepted the invitation, and went on to caress the youth, feeding him with sweets and delicacies.

"When the courtesans left, the horned young sage felt dejected and restless, and went to the spot where he had seen them at first. They came to meet him and said: 'Come to our hermitage. We can entertain you better there.'

"He agreed and went with them. The King got aware the the sage had entered his city, went out to meet him, and soon took the youth to the inner apartments and married him to his daughter, Shanta.

"Deeply revered by the monarch, the young sage with deer horns lived happily in the capital with his bride, Princess Shanta."'

11. King Dasaratha goes to King Romapada, by whose permission Rishyashringa comes to Ayodhya

The councillor Sumantra said: "King, listen further. You should go to meet that young sage and bring him with ceremony to your capital."

The king arrived at the capital where the horned sage lived with his Princess Shanta. The sage agreed to come and help.

The people of Ayodhya delighted in seeing the sage when he came. The wide-eyed Shanta and her husband were also invited to the royal apartments and were well received.

12. Rishyashringa agrees to assist in the sacrifice

A long time passed before the king resolved to let loose the horse so as to get male offspring. He invited the horned young sage to assist him, and the sage agreed, saying "Release the horse! See to it that the spot chosen for sacrificing it later is on the upper bank of the Sarayu River."

The king sommoned other sages and told them: "Sages, I am without an heir. I have therefore decided to let loose a horse and kill it later according to the scriptural laws."

The horse was let loose and protected by four hundred warriors. The ministers, highly gratified, began to act according to instructions the were given. The king bade farewell to his ministers and entered his private apartments.

13. Preparatons for the sacrifice

The king asked the sage Vasistha to arrange the horse sacrifice. He did. Other kings had been invited. On the advice of Vasishtha and the deer-horned young sage, King Dasaratha went to the sacrificial ground when the stars were interpreted as favourable for his intended undertaking.

14. The Ashvamedha sacrifice is described

After a year on the loose the horse returned and was to be killed. The chief priest tied up the horse in the sacrificial pavilion. Then Queen Kaushalya with three strokes of the scimitar severed it with great joy.

The horned sage told King Dasaratha: "Four noble sons will be born to you and continue your family line!"

15. The Gods appeal to Vishnu to destroy Ravana

The horned sage went on to pour oblations into a fire. Celestial beings and others gathered to obtain their portion of the sacrifice. The gods said to Creator-God: "You granted a boon to the ten-headed Ravana, and therefore we are helpless and forced to endure much oppression! He tramples sages under foot, for he is under your protection. We live in terror. Please devise some means to destroy him.

Brahma reflected for a while and said: That monster asked for the boon of not being destroyed by gandharvas, yakshas, gods or rakshasas. He thought man to be of no account, so he did not ask to be made invulnerable in regard to him. So a human can destroy him."

Siddhas, gandharvas and yakshas then implored Lord Vishnu to descend into the world of people.

"Have no fear. I will slay that monster with his sons and grandsons, his ministers, relations for the good of all. Then I will rule in the world of mortals for eleven thousand years."

The devas, seers, gandharvas and also the rudras with the troops of apsaras said: "Speedily destroy Ravana, that thorn in the side of the ascetics. Afterwards return to where purity and perfection reign."

16. Vishnu decides to incarnate as the four sons of King Dasaratha

Lord Vishnu was told how to slay the titan king Ravana, that thorn in the side of holy men, even tormenting women. The gods repeated: "Become a man and slay him in combat! For Ravana is invulnerable to all but a human."

Then came a being straight out of the sacrificial fire of King Dasaratha and said: "Accept this milk dish I hold here. It has been prepared by the gods. It will bring you sons. Let your wives eat it, and they will give you heirs."

The king accepted the food and rejoiced. The resplendent being vanished.

In their private apartments, the king addressed Queen Kaushalya, saying, "Receive this food and take part of it to have a son." He gave half of the dish to Queen Kaushalya and one-third to Queen Sumitra. Then he gave an eighth of the Payasa to Queen Kaikeyi, and after reflection, the remainder to Queen Sumitra.

The queens soon became pregnant.

17. To assist Vishnu, celestial beings incarnate as warriors of the monkey tribe

The Creator told the gods to created sons in the form of monkeys and bears. "Formerly I created the King of the Bears thus: I yawned, and he suddenly he came forth from my mouth."

Bears and monkeys appeared rapidly. They were able to cleave rocks and mountains, and skilled in using weapons. Millions of monkeys were born thus. They were able to assume any form at will, and hundreds and thousands of monkey leaders. These, in turn, begot other brave and powerful beings. Some of them lived on the mountains, while others lived in the valleys and woods.

The earth, with its mountains, forests and seas, was filled with these warriors of many forms, created to serve Rama as his allies. Meanwhile, King Dasaratha lived happily in Ayodhya.

18. King Dasaratha's sons are born and grow to manhood

Sons were born. The eldest son was Rama. He was born of the womb of Queen Kaushalya. His half-brother Bharata was born of Queen Kaikeyi. Queen Sumitra gave birth to Lakshmana and Shatrughna. They became skilful in wielding weapons.

Lakshmana and Rama were much devoted to each other, and Bharata and Shatrughna were likewise devoted to each other.

One day the sage Vishvamitra entered the palace. Originally of the Warrior class, asceticism had made him a Brahmin.

19. Vishwamitra's request

Vishvamitra told King Dasaratha: "I am performing a sacrifice in order to enhance my spiritual perfection. However, two rakshasas who able to change their form at will, create great impediments. Those rakshasas, Maricha and Subahu, are powerful and crafty. Let your son, the valiant Rama, destroy those demons. Rama will be protected by me. Moreover, I will instruct him for his good in many sciences, and he will become renowned. The rakshasas will attack Rama in vain, but he may destroy those two monsters. So let Rama go with me and accompany me for ten nights."

The king swooned. The words of the ascetic pierced his soul and he trembled on his throne.

20, 21. The King's reluctance to let Rama fight with Maricha and Suvahu + On Vasishtha's advice the king acquiesces<

King Dasaratha said to the sage Visvamitra: "Rama is but fifteen years old, I cannot believe he is able to fight the Rakshasas. Do not ask for Rama. I, myself, bearing my bow and arrows, will lead an army against them and fight to my last breath. You know well how crafty the Rakshasas are in combat."

Vishvamitra answered: "Ravana does not obstruct the sacrifices himself, but two mighty Rakshasas, named Maricha and Subahu who have been prompted by him, disrupt the sacrificial rites."

The king, again: "Maricha and Subahu are powerful and experienced . . . I dare not send my young son against them."

At this point the sage got violently angry and answered the king: "You have previously offered to render me a service, but now you refuse to do what I ask you."

At this point the rishi Vasishtha told the king: "Do not hesitate to send your son with the sage. He is well able to destroy the two rakshasas himself. It is for the good of your son that he has made this appeal."

After hearing this, the king let Vishvamitra take Rama with him.

22. Ramachandra and Lakshmana set forth with Vishwamitra

The king sent for Rama and Lakshmana and delivered them into the care of Vishvamitra. Vishvamitra led the way. When they came to the right bank of the River Sarayu, nine miles south of the capital, Vishvamitrasaid: "Child, have a cleansing bath."

The brothers massaged the feet of the sage and passed the night lying pleasantly on grass on the bank of the river.

23. They reach the hermitage of Kama

A little before dawn, Vishvamitra said to the two youths who were lying on their grass beds: "The dawn is about to break."

Soon they walked to where the Ganges and the Sarayu rivers meet. There was a hermitage there. Ascetics in it recognized them and invited them in with delight. Soon Vishvamitra was telling tales.

24. The two princes with Vishwamitra behold the dark forest of Tataka

At dawn, those who lived in the hermitage led the three visitors to the river and arranged it so that a boat could take them across.

When the craft was in mid-current, Rama heard roaring waters and wondered why.

Vishvamitra told him: "On Mount Kailasha, Creator-God created a lake by His thought. It is called the Lake of the Mind (Manasarova). The river Sarayu comes from that mind-lake and joins the Ganges here. Salute them both!"

On the southern bank the company left the boat and walked on, into a dark and terrible forest.

Rama: "This forest looks dark, dense and sinister. Fearful beasts can be heard roaring. Dreadful cries. See, boars, lions, tigers and elephants abound."

Vishvamitra answered: "Formerly there were two prosperous cities here for a long time. The people in them enjoyed abundant harvests. However, some time ago the nature-spirit Tataka with the strength of a thousand elephants was born here. She can change her form at will. Her son is the goblin Maricha, who is an ugly, long-armed, fierce-looking, enormous, large-mouthed man-eater. He scares and kills. The mother, Tataka, lives five miles from here. Since we must pass through the wood where she lives, shoot her, for she prevents anyone from passing through."

25. Vishwamitra seeks to convince Rama that it is his duty to slay Taraka

Rama: "It is said that the voluptuous nature powers (Yakshinis) have little power, so how comes it that Tataka is as strong as a thousand elephants?"

Vishvamitra answered smilingly: "Tataka has got her strength as a boon. After she was married, she had a son, Maricha. He became a night-prowling, demon-goblin through a curse by the sage Agastya. He said, 'Become a demon.' He also cursed Tataka so that she became a hideous man-eater.

Then Tataka began to ravage and destroy this area. So, Rama, you must slay this wicked and impious demon. Do it for the good of the brahmins and the cows. Only you can do it. Many have slain women who were given over to evil-doing. Therefore I command you to slay that man-eating spirit."

26. How the Yakshini Taraka was slain

Rama listened to what the sage said and thought it was his duty to slay that spirit in the woods. He grasped his bow, twanging the string loudly and well. Tataka heard it and ran in a rage toward the sound.

When Rama saw her coming, he said to Lakshmana: "See . . ." While Rama was still speaking, the dreadful Tataka ran towards him, roaring with uplifted arms. She raised a thick cloud of dust, and for a while, Rama and Lakshmana could see nothing. After a while Rama drew arrows from his quiver. The arrows could follow sounds. With a single shaft Rama pierced the heart of the wicked Tataka.

Celestial Beings cried with joy: " Well done, well done, Rama!" The gods went on and said to Vishvamitra, "Favour Rama by giving him two kinds of mightly weapons, natural and supernatural, for he is worthy to receive them. These two princes are destined to achieve great things!"

At that the gods left.

Evening fell, and Vishvamitra said: "Tonight we may stay here, and tomorrow morning go to my hermitage."

27. Rama is given the celestial weapons

Next day, Vishvamitra said smilingly to Rama: "I am happy to give you these weapons. They will make you able to overcome and control all your enemies, whether gods, titans or snake-humans (nagas). Here they are. They are for destroying evil goblins. And here are many more weapons."

The sage Vishvamitra then gave Rama the mantras that were used in discharging the weapons, instructing him in methods that were unknown even to the gods.

A couple of dozens of different weapons now appeared before Rama and said: "We are your servants. Whatever you desire will be done by us!"

Rama was delighted to hear what the powerful weapons told him. Grasping them, he said: "When I call you to mind, come and serve me!"

And then the weapons got out of sight. Afterwards Rama bowed to Vishvamitra. They walked on.

28. He is instructed in their use

As they walked further, Rama asked Vishvamitra to instruct him further in the art of discharging and withdrawing the mantra-propelled weapons. The sage taught him how to do it, gave him fifty more weapons, and added: "Be happy, for you are worthy of these weapons."

The weapons appeared in the flesh before Rama and said: "We are at your command."

Rama answered: "When you are called to mind in time of need, aid me."

They said: "Yes," and returned to where they came from.

The company walked on. Rama then said to Vishvamitra: "What is it that we see near that mountain over there? Is it a grove of trees, abounding with deer and sweetly singing birds? Is it your own hermitage we have reached?"

29. Vishwamitra relates the story of his hermitage and commences the sacrifice

Vishvamitra: "This tranquil hermitage is the place enjoyed by me when evil goblins do not disturb my sacrifices here."

30. Maricha and Suvahu obstruct the sacrifice and are slain by Rama

Rama and Lakshmana: "At what moment in the course of the sacrifice do the two demons appear?" to forestall their attack."

They were eager to fight the demons.

Those who stayed in the hermitage said: "Keep watch over the sacrifice for six nights from now on."

The youths did, and with bows and arrows guarded the seer Vishvamitra and his sacrifice for six days and nights without sleeping. On the sixth day the altar fire suddenly blazed up, and showers of blood rained on them by magic. Rama and Lakshmana ran to discover the cause of the rain, and saw Maricha and other goblins in the sky.

Rama said to Lakshmana, "I shall destroy these evil, flesh-eating demons with the mind-weapon I have been given."

He hurled the shining weapon at them, and, striking the breast of Maricha, wounded him so that he reeled - the demon was flung into the sea a long way away from there.

Rama: "Maricha is struck senseless but not dead. Now I shall destroy those other wicked, merciless and sinful blood-drinking demons who obstruct the holy sacrifice!"

He seized a firebrand (Agni) weapon and shot the mighty demon Subahu in the chest. The demon fell to the earth and died on the spot. Then Rama destroyed the remaining demons with the windy (Vayu) weapon he had been given.

Vishvamitra's sacrifice was then successfully completed. He said to Rama: "This was good!"

31. Vishwamitra starts out with the two princes to attend King Janaka's sacrifice

Next day Rama and Lakshmana greeted Vishvamitra and the other sages at the hermitage. The sages said: "King Janaka of Mithila got from the gods a rare and wonderful bow that no one can bend. No one has been able to string it. One may ask, 'What is the use of it, then? Let us go to King Janaka's court and find out."

Now Vishvamitra stood up and greeted the Forest Deities around the hermitage, saying, " Farewell, be happy. Now I go to somewhere in the Himalayas."

The seer set out northwards. He was accompanied by a hundred wagons filled with sages, Veda-reciters and their belongings. At sunset they bathed in a river, and sat down, and Rama asked Vishvamitra where they were now.

32-34. Vishwamitra tells of his ancestors and the dynasty of King Kusha + King Kushanabha's hundred daughters + His son, Gadhi, is the father of Vishwamitra

Vishvamitra said: "Once a Gandharvi approached a sage. He said: "What can I do for you?"

"She said softly: 'I desire a son with you. Please do.'

"The sage granted her a son, Brahmadatta. He became a prosperous king."

Vishvamitra continued: "There was also a king called Kusha and four sons he got. He was the son of God the Creator. He took to wife a chaste and lovely woman, and was blessed with four strong sons equal to himself. He told them: "Sons, protect and nourish your subjects with skill; this is productive of great merit."

"The four princes founded four cities. Rama, this river we are resting by, belonged to one of the four sons of Kusha. Another of the four princes married a nymph and had a hundred beautiful daughters by her. One day they wandered about in a beautiful garden - singing, dancing and playing on musical instruments - when the old wind saw them and said to them: "Marry me, all of you, and I will make you immortal. Remember, youth is passing. But wedded to me, you will be lovely forever.'

"The hundred lovely girls answered: 'Wind, we know what is going on in your heart. You are renowned for your wisdom, but we should not choose consorts for ourselves without first seeking the approval of our father. We shall wed the husbands be chooses for us!'

"The wind got angry on hearting these words. He entered their bodies and twisted and distorted them. In thears, the afflicted princesses went to their father for aid.

"The king sighed deeply and said anxiously: 'Who has insulted you? Who has deformed you? Tell me all about it.'

"'The wind did it! The wind blew our bodies out of shape!' said the hundred daughters. 'We said to him that we were not free to choose our own way of life since our father still lived and that he should consult you if he wishes to marry us. At that he wisted and deformed our bodies."

"The king: "You behaved nobly, daughters. Tolerant consideration is the chief ornament of both man and woman. Few are capable of it. The greatest consideration is truthful, nay, is dharma. The world is supported by such consideration."

"The king dismissed his daughters and reflected on who he might marry his daughters to. He resolved to give his daughters in marriage to the prosperous king born to the gandharvi and the sage, and with due tact gave his hundred daughters to King Brahmadatta in marriage. Brahmadatta took each by the hand in turn. At the touch of his hand, the princesses were freed from their deformity and restored to their former beauty. Their father was overwhelmed with joy.

"King Brahmadatta went home with his hundred wives and their spiritual gurus. When the king's mother, the beautiful gandharvi, saw him coming with a hundred lovely women - her daughters-in-law - she received them very affectionately."

Vishvamitra went on: "When Brahmadatta had left with the hundred wives he had got, their father prepared to have a son. His own father, Kusha, son of Brahma, said to him: "It will go well. Name your son Gathi. He will be your equal."

"Having said it, Kusha rose into the sky and into the loka (realm) of God the Creator.

"After a time the much pious Gadhi was born to him, in the family of Kusha. Gadhi was my father," said Vishvamitra. "I have told you of my family since you asked me about it. And now seek to rest and get refreshed for travelling on tomorrow."

35, 36. Vishwamitra begins to narrate the origin of the holy river Ganga + The King of Himalayas' younger daughter Uma

Next morning Vishvamitra led the company safely across the river they had been camping nearby at night. They journeyed on and on through many beautiful forests. Late one afternoon they reached the river Ganges. Swans and cranes were there. Rama, Lakshmana and the sages were filled with delight at the sight of the river and bathed as prescribed.

Later, Vishvamitra told of the origin of the Ganges: "The mighty Himavat, the ruler of the Himalaya Kingdom of ancient India, had two lovely daughters. The eldest was Ganga and the younger, Uma. The shining gods asked for Ganga for some undertaking. With the permission of her father, they took her away with them into heaven. The other daughter, Uma, was given in marriage to Lord Shiva.

Rama and Lakshmana asked Vishvamitra: "Do tell us more about Ganga. Tell us how the Ganga, the world-purifying stream, later came down from heaven to earth."

Vishvamitra: "Uma did not get any child with Shiva, not even after a hundred years of a married couple's delights. After that period the other gods asked Shiva to keep his energy to avoid weakening the world.

"'OK," he said. "But if my vital fluids should overflow, who will receive it?'

"The gods: 'Let the earth get them.'

"Shortly after, Shiva let his seed to fall on the earth, covering the mountains, seas and forests. When the earth could bear no more, the gods created a heavenly mountain and a heavenly forest. From the glorious light of that mountain and forest, a handsome, ever-youthful man was born, and named Kartikeya (and Subrahmanya and so on).

"Afterwards, Shiva departed with Uma. On a peak in the Himalayas he engaged in prolonged yogic practices with her."

37. The king's elder daughter, Ganga

This is what Vishvamitra told further: "While Shiva was meditating with Uma, many of the gods went to the Lord of the World and said: 'Shiva has now retired to the Himalayas with Uma. We need a god-leader.'

"God the Creator consoled them: 'The fire-god will make Ganga bear a son, and he will destroy your enemies. Moreover, Uma will look on her sister's son as her own and will lavish her affection on him.'

"The gods now went to the fire-god and begged him to beget a son, 'Fill Ganga with your energy,' they said.

"The fire-god agreed and said to Ganga: 'Mmm, let us beget a son, for it is the wish of the gods.'

"Ganga took the form of a lovely nymph and inspired the fire-god to plant his radiant seed in her. After a time, she said to him, though: 'I cannot bear the ever-increasing splendour in my belly. My body is burning, my mind is distraught and I am filled with fear.'

"The fire answered: 'Place the foetus on the slopes of the Himalayas.'

"The heavenly Ganga expelled her foetus. It shone like gold. From that splendour Kartikeya was born. He got six nurses. They began to suckle the child with milk. While yet an infant, he soon grew so strong that he challenged hosts of demons to combat. Then the gods made the infant their commander-in-chief."

38. The story of King Sagara, Rama's ancestor

39. The horse with which he performs a sacrifice is stolen

40. The king's sons search for the horse; they accuse Kafila of stealing it and are reduced to ashes

41. King Sagara's grandson, Anshuman, finds the horse and the ashes of his uncles.He is told the funeral rites must be performed with the waters of the holy river Ganges

42. Anshuman's son, Dilipa, fails and his son Bhagiratha performs austerities to induce the holy river to descend

43. Lord Shiva lets loose the sacred river which follows King Bhagiratha's celestial chariot

44. King Bhagiratha completes the funeral rites for his ancestors

45. Vishwamitra begins to relate the story of the city of Vishala and the churning of the ocean, which leads to the combat between the Devas and the titans

46. Diti undergoes severe austerities for the birth of a son

47. The holy sage and the princes arrive at Vishala and are welcomed by King Pramati

48. They come to Gautama's hermitage and Vishwamitra relates its story

49. Rama liberates Ahalya from Gautama's curse and departs for Mithila

50. They are welcomed at the place of sacrifice by King Janaka

51. Gautama's son Shatananda relates more of the story of the sage Vishwamitra

52. How King Vishwamitra visits Vasishtha's hermitage and accepts hospitality provided by the wish-fulfilling cow, Shabata

54. The king desires to possess Shabala but Vasishtha will not give her up

55. King Vishwamitra attempts to carry her away by force

55. Shabala creates an army which annihilates Vishwamitra's forces

56. Vasishtha by his spiritual strength conquers Vishwamitra who then engages in penances

57. Vasishtha refuses to help King Trishanku enter heaven in his physical state

58. The king appeals to Vasishtha's sons to conduct the sacrifice.They curse him and he appeals to Vishwamitra … 112

59. Vishwamitra seeks the help of the sons of Vasishtha and Mahodeva; they refuse and are cursed

60. Through fear of Vishwamitra, the sages assist in the sacrifice and King Trishanku ascends to a specially created heaven

61. King Ambarisha's sacrificial horse is lost and he seeks a human victim

62. Shunashepha, the human victim, seeks and obtains help from Vishwamitra

63. After more austerities Vishwamitra is proclaimed a Maharishi

64. Indra is perturbed and sends Rambha to disturb the further austerities of the sage

65. Vishwamitra performs another thousand years' austerities and acquires brahmanhood

66. King Janaka relates the story of the great bow and the birth of Sita

67. The illustrious Rama breaks the bow and is given the princess Sita in marriage

68. King Janaka sends messengers to invite King Dasaratha to the capital

69. King Dasaratha sets out with his spiritual preceptor, relations and ministers

70. The king, Vishwamitra and the princes are invited to King Janaka's court where Vishwamitra relates the descent of the dynasty

71. King Janaka gives an account of the succession and his dynasty

72. The marriage of the four sons of King Dasaratha is arranged and preparations commence

73. The marriage ceremonies are completed

74. Parasurama appears amidst inauspicious signs

75. He challenges Rama to combat

76. Parasurama is vanquished and deprived of his glory and power

77. King Dasaratha with his army, the princes and their brides, return to Ayodhya