The Narration Of the Ramayana Begins
On the banks of the Sarayu stood the city of Ayodhya, capital of the kingdom of Koshala. The opulences of this kingdom were unspeakable, especially those of its capital.
Ayodhya measured 12 yojanas in length (about 153 kilometers) and three in width (about 38 kilometers) and was the most beautiful city that ever existed. With all those opulences, the citizens were completely satisfied and happy.
The king was called Dasaratha. He was a pious and virtuous raja, in all qualities similar to the greatest kings of the Vedic tradition, so valiant in combat that he never knew defeat. Dasaratha was assisted by two famous brahmanas named Vasistha and Vamadeva. At the time, the brahmanas were the spiritual guides, but they not only provided spiritual education but also any other education necessary for earthly life. The brahmanas were the sages, the intellectuals, and the priests, and they were held in high regards by all the kings of the time. Dasaratha had numerous other advisers, all famous and respected for their integrity, such as Suyajna, Javali, Kasyapa Muni, Gautama, Markandeya and Katyayana. In addition, he had eight ministers, of whom the best known was Sumantra.
This is a section of the book “The Ramayana”, in English.
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