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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 ॥