Bhagavān Viṣṇu's promise to the Devas

All the devas bowed to Brahmā in Brahmā Loka and revealed their fear.

"O Lord," they said, "a rākṣasa named Rāvaṇa, armed with a boon granted by you, torments us without mercy. His strength shakes the three worlds. Even the Sun dims before him, the winds grow still, and the oceans quiet in his presence. We cannot stop him, for your boon protects him from all of us."

Brahmā nodded gravely.

"It is true. His boon shields him from gods, gandharvas, and creatures of every kind. But in his pride, he once said, 'I need no protection from humans.' Of man, he asked no immunity. Therefore his death will come from the hands of a human."

As hope lit the faces of the celestials, the heavens glowed with golden light. Bhagavān Viṣṇu, shining in yellow garments and bearing conch, mace, and discus, appeared before them. All bowed low.

They pleaded, "Be born as a human, O Lord. Protect the worlds. Destroy Rāvaṇa."

Viṣṇu agreed.

"For the good of the three worlds, I shall take birth as a human and slay Rāvaṇa, his sons, and all who follow him."

The gods asked, "Where will you be born?"

Viṣṇu pondered. Then he said:

"I shall divide myself into four parts and be born as the four sons of King Daśaratha."

The gods rejoiced. They praised him and returned to their lokas, preparing for Vishnu's descent to earth.