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BALAKANDA
 
This great story called the Ramayana
arose in the family of high-souled Ikshvaku
kings, to whom from ancient days the
entire earth belonged.
 
तदिदं वर्तयिष्यामि सर्वं निखिलमादितः ।
धर्मकामार्थसहितं श्रोतव्यमनसूयया ॥
 
I shall narrate in full from the very
beginning, this story full of lessons on
duty, love and wealth (dharma, kama and
artha). It should indeed be heard, with-
out scepticism or indifference.
 
9
 
कोसलो नाम मुदितः स्फीतो जनपदो महान् ।
निविष्टः सरयूतीरे प्रसूतधनधान्यवान् ॥
 
On Sarayu's bank, the happy and ex-
tensive realm of Kosala lies, abounding
with riches and grain.
 
अयोध्या नाम नगरी तत्रासील्लोकविश्रुता ।
मनुना मानवेन्द्रेण या पुरी निर्मिता स्वयम् ॥
 
And therein is the city of Ayodhya, far
famed in all the worlds, the city that was
built by Manu himself foremost of men.
 
तां तु राजा दशरथो महाराष्ट्रविवर्धनः ।
पुरीमावासयामास दिवि देवपतिर्यथा ॥