REAL HISTORY
The Birth of Rama
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Many thousands of years ago, there lived, in the land now called India, a king called Dasharatha. He was wise and generous, and he was loved by the people. He had three wives, Kaushalyá, Kaikeyi and Sumitrá, and he loved them all equally, and treated them with great kindness.
However, King Dasharatha had no children, and he thought about this so often that he grew very sad. He went to his friend and adviser, who was called Vasishtha, and told him how he longed to have a son.
"Do not be downhearted, O King," said the wise Vasishtha. "You will have four sons, who will be famous throughout the land."
Then King Dasharatha held a special ceremony, at which he asked for the birth of a son. A firy form rose up out of the flames and handed him a beautiful bowl.
"I am the god of fire," it said, "and I am well pleased with you. Take this sacred drink and give it to your wives."
So saying, the being disappeared, and Dasharatha carried the bowl to his three queens, and divided the liquid between them.
All of Dasharatha’s wives conceived, and they soon grew big with child. They were full of joy, and they seemed to grow in beauty and goodness. At last, a day dawned which was neither too hot nor too cool. Sweet winds blew, and the forests were full of blossoms. The rivers sang and rippled as they flowed between their banks, and the dance of the moon, the stars and the sun was particularly graceful.
It was on this day that Kaushalya gave birth to her son, Rama. She took him in her arms, and gazed in wonder at his beauty.
"O mighty one," she murmured. "How can I praise you when no one has ever been able to describe your glory? How can it be that you who are the most magnificent, now lie in my arms like a little child? I cannot understand this wonder, but my heart is singing with joy."
The child began to cry, and hearing the sound, King Dasharatha hurried to the Queen’s apartments, and gazed upon his newly-born son.
Then news of the child’s birth spread throughout the city and everyone began to celebrate. King Dasharatha gave away many beautiful gifts, and people came running to the court to offer presents to the child. Music filled the air, and sweet-smelling musk, sandal and saffron were cast about in such profusion that they lay thick upon the ground. Everyone rejoiced and said to each other – "Today the blessed one has been born, who will end all the suffering on earth."
Sumitra and Keikeyi also gave birth to a son and two twin boys, and at the news, the people grew even more joyful.
The city became so beautiful that the sun itself was lost in delight and did not set, but remained in the sky for a whole month. That day lasted for a whole month, but no one in King Dasharatha’s city realised what had happened, and when night finally came, they went to bed, murmuring the praises of Kaushalya’s son, and his three brothers.