Bala Kanda — Part 1 of 3. This chapter is an original prose retelling of the traditional Ramayana narrative; it is not a verse-by-verse translation.
King Dasharatha rules prosperous Ayodhya but longs for heirs. After a sacred rite performed with guidance from sages, four sons are born: Rama to Kaushalya, Bharata to Kaikeyi, and Lakshmana and Shatrughna to Sumitra. The princes grow in learning, courage, restraint and affection. Rama is beloved for his self-control and regard for every person.
The episode invites readers to consider duty, compassion and the consequences of choices. Continue through the kand in order to follow the story from its beginning to its conclusion.