When each queen had got some of the rice, there was a small amount left. The king gave this to Sumitra. All queens were blessed and gave birth to sons. The eldest son, who was called great minded, was born by Kausalya. He got the name Rama and he was chosen to be successor to the throne of King Dasharatha. Kaikey, who was the king’s favourite, gave birth to a son named Bharata, while Sumitra, who received two servings of the rice milk, gave birth to twins: Laksmana and Satrughna.

The four prince were raised in ”dharma” and were taught to handle weapons. During their upbringing they became tightly knotted together. Rama and Laksmana got especially close friends, indeed inseparable.

Picture 2. The king and the queens are watching the young princes playing.