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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 वर्तण्यामि सर्व निखिलमादितः ।
धर्मकामार्थसहितं श्रोतव्यमनसूयया ॥
 
the very
 
I shall narrate in full from
beginning, this story full of lessons on
duty, love and wealth (dharma, kama and
artha ). It should indeed be heard, without
scepticism or indifference.
 
कोसलो नाम मुदितः स्फीतो जनपदो महान् ।
निविष्टः सरयूतीरे प्रभूतधनधान्यवान् ॥
 
On Sarayu's bank, the happy and
extensive 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 महाराष्ट्र विवर्धनः ।
पुरीमावासयामास दिवि देवपतिर्यथा ।