1.15: The Chosen Four

As I stood before the sacred fire, the Puthreshti sacrifice held profound significance for me. The desire to have a son, an heir to carry forward the noble legacy of Ayodhya, weighed heavily on my heart. The presence of the wise sage Rishya Sringa and the divine assembly of gods, celestial beings, and enlightened sages created an aura of divine intervention around this momentous occasion.

As the mantras echoed through the air, the pleas of the troubled deities reached the heavens. Their distress caused by Ravana's tyranny touched my heart, and I felt an innate sense of responsibility to confront this malevolent Rakshasa and restore peace and balance to the cosmos.

The revelation by Lord Brahma that a mortal man could be the key to Ravana's downfall filled me with a renewed sense of purpose. The devas turned to Lord Vishnu, the preserver of the universe, beseeching him to take the form of four sons born to my father, King Dasaratha. The gods believed that my brothers and I would be instrumental in putting an end to Ravana's reign of terror.

With great humility, Lord Vishnu accepted the devas' plea. Dividing his divine essence, he prepared to be born as my brothers – Lakshmana, Bharata, Shatrughna, and myself. I felt a surge of determination and strength, knowing that a divine purpose awaited us.

As the devas extolled the magnificent form of Lord Vishnu, I understood the immense responsibility that lay ahead. We were chosen to embark on a destined journey, to face challenges and confront evil in the pursuit of righteousness.

The wheels of destiny were set in motion, and the stage was prepared for the arrival of the four of us, the chosen princes. The devas' hopes and prayers rested upon our shoulders, and I was determined to live up to their expectations and fulfill my divine purpose.

With courage in my heart and the blessings of Lord Vishnu, I knew that we were ready to face whatever trials awaited us. The battles, sacrifices, and twists in our journey were tests that we had to endure to fulfill the divine prophecy.

The journey ahead was uncertain, but I was resolute in my commitment to stand for righteousness. I knew that the fate of the world depended on our actions and decisions. The malevolence of Ravana would be confronted with unwavering spirit and sacrifice.

As we prepared to embark on this epic journey, I felt a mix of emotions – excitement for the adventure that awaited us, and a sense of duty to protect the cosmos from darkness. With Lord Vishnu's guidance and the unwavering support of the devas, we were determined to face the challenges ahead and fulfill our divine purpose with honor and courage.