The Ramayana 1.Bala Kandam  Birth of Rama

The Kosala country is a wealthy land that is blessed with the Ganges river and abundant water resources, fertile land, and ample drinking water. The capital of Kosala is Ayodhya, a city known for its moral uprightness and peace. The name Ayodhya means "the city without Buddha," as the city was free from war and anger. The people of Ayodhya were known for their adherence to dharma, and the kingdom prospered under the rule of King Dasharatha Chakraborty.

King Dasharatha, who was born to Ajamaka Rajan and Indumati in the Adithan clan of Ayodhya, was known for his just and fair governance. The people of Ayodhya lived happily and without suffering under his rule. He had three wives, Kausalai, Kaikeyi, and Sumitrai, and also had 360 other wives. He ruled the kingdom for 60,000 years as a just and heroic king.

Despite his many achievements, King Dasaratha deeply regretted that he did not have a son to succeed him and ensure the continuity of dharma in his kingdom. He approached his guru, Sage Vasishta, and expressed his regret, saying, "Gurunatha! By their blessings the slave conquered the ten chariots from the ten directions in this world and got the name Dasaratha. I defeated Sambaran and helped Indra. But their servant did not bear child. Father in my ears listening to the sounds of the lyre! He regretted saying that he had not had the privilege of hearing the words of Masala."

Sage Vasishta, with closed eyes, saw a vision in which Lord Vishnu, who resides in Tirupalkadal in Aravani, promised to incarnate as Rama on earth to destroy the demon king Ravana and his clan, and bring peace and prosperity to the people who had been suffering for a long time. Lord Vishnu also ordered that the devas should be born as Vanaras, or monkeys, to assist Rama in his mission. As per Lord Vishnu's orders, angels were born as monkeys. Indra was born as Vali, Surya was born as Sukriva, Akiniteva was born as Nila, Vishwabrhamma was born as Nala, and Vayudeva was born as Hanuman. Rudramsam, Upendra and Pramadevar also participated in the incarnation.

Tirumal's command

❖ A sage named Dharmankadar, who was known as an Anthana, was performing penance by chanting the Ashtamura mantra 'Om Namo Narayanaya' on the bank of the Ganges. He lived in a village named Agrakaram with his meek wife Kalaga. One day, while on his way, he was asked by someone where he was going. He replied that he could not bear the suffering of his wife and was going to leave the house. He said that she always wanted what she didn't want and did what she didn't want.

❖ Dharmankadar went back to his house, where Kalaga was in a state of riot. He refused to eat and she angrily gave him food. Dharmankadar lived comfortably by saying no to Kalaga and doing what he wanted. One day, Kalaga rebelled and refused to do any household chores for her father's birthday. Dharmankadar carelessly asked her to pour the pithur prasadam into clean water, but she instead threw it into polluted water.

❖ In his anger, Dharmankadar cursed Kalaga, saying that she would die as a demon. His curse came true and she wandered as a female demon, suffering in agony. She came across Dharmankadar while he was performing his penance and he poured Kamandalam water over her, removing her curse and sin. She fell at his feet and begged for forgiveness.

❖ Dharmankadar forgave her and promised that she would be born in the family of Adithar in the earth world as Kaikeyi and he would be born as King Dasaratha. Lord Vishnu would be born as their son Rama and would kill the demon king Ravana and bring prosperity to the land. Lord Vishnu also commanded that the chakram of Tirumal be born as Bharata, Sangu as Chatrukka, and Adisashan as Lakshamanana. Sage Vasishta saw all this through the eye of wisdom.