Once, very long ago, Ayodhya was a beautiful city in India. Its King, Dasharatha, had ruled for many years, and its inhabitants lived in happiness and prosperity. The king was honoured for his justice and wisdom. He abode his duty (dharma) in reigning his kingdom, as well as in carrying out his religious duties. In the Vedic-Hindu tradition, every single person is responsible for the benefit and the health of the whole society. Kings have a special duty to take care of their people.

At this time, King Dasharatha was depressed. He began to grow old but he still had no heirs, even though he had several wives. He went to the Fire God. Due to Dasharatha’s humility and obedience, the Fire God listened to his prayer for sons. Dasharatha got a mug of rice in milk (payasa) to divide between his wives. King Dashratha’s wives were Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. Kausalya was the oldest queen and Kaikeyi the youngest.

Picture 1. The Fire God is offering the mug. The queens and King Dasharatha with their counselors are standing before the god.