Bala Ramayana - The Birth of the Four Divine Princes

When the great rites of the Aśvamedha were complete and the gods had received their offerings, Daśaratha returned to Ayodhyā, filled with hopeful joy. His queens also carried the sacred blessing within them. Seasons turned, the city prospered, and the people waited eagerly for the royal births.

At last, in the twelfth month of Caitra, on the bright ninth day, an auspicious moment arose. Under the gentle light of the star Punarvasu, guided by the grace of Aditi, Queen Kausalyā gave birth to a radiant child—Rāma. He shone with calm majesty, blessed with every sign of divinity. Half of Viṣṇu's essence dwelled in him, and Kausalyā's heart overflowed with wonder.

Soon after, under the noble star Puṣya, Queen Kaikeyī gave birth to Bharata, pure of mind and steady in virtue. His presence filled the palace with peace.

In the same blessed season, under the star Aśleṣā, Queen Sumitrā became the mother of two sons—Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna. These two were gentle, bright, and destined for unshakable loyalty.

The births of the four princes lit the heavens with celebration. Gandharvas sang, apsarās danced, celestial drums thundered, and flowers rained from the sky. Ayodhyā echoed with music and joy. Streets filled with garlands, and the people rejoiced as if light itself had entered their kingdom.

Twelve days later, the revered sage Vasiṣṭha performed the sacred naming rites. He named the firstborn Rāma, Kaikeyī's son Bharata, and Sumitrā's sons Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna. Gifts were given, brahmins were honored, and the kingdom celebrated with full hearts.

As the children grew up, they grew very close to one another.

Lakṣmaṇa loved Rāma beyond measure. He followed him everywhere, like a faithful shadow. If Rāma studied, Lakṣmaṇa sat beside him. If Rāma trained with bow and arrow, Lakṣmaṇa matched his step. They ate together, rested together, and shared every joy. Rāma cherished this love deeply, for Lakṣmaṇa's devotion was pure and unwavering.

In the same way, Bharata and Śatrughna were inseparable. They supported each other in study and in play, and served their teachers and parents with humility.

Although Daśaratha loved his sons dearly, they never grew proud. They treated everyone with kindness, respected the elders, and cared for the people of Ayodhyā. Even as children, they shone with the virtues they would one day bring to the world.

As the years passed, the four princes grew in grace and wisdom. They studied the Vedas and all noble arts. They learned archery, chariot-driving, statecraft, and the deep teachings of dharma. Their minds were sharp, their manners gentle, and their hearts filled with compassion.

Thus, the four brothers grew up in harmony—noble in learning, graceful in conduct, and united in love. The kingdom watched them with admiration, unaware of the great destiny waiting just beyond their early years.