Bala Kanda: Birth and Boyhood of Shri Ram

The story

Ayodhya, on the bank of the Saryu, is ruled by King Dasharatha of the Raghukul. He has everything except an heir. On the advice of Guru Vasishtha he performs the Putrakameshti yajna, conducted by Sage Rishyashringa. His three queens then bear four sons: Kaushalya gives birth to Ram, Kaikeyi to Bharata, and Sumitra to the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna.

When Ram is still in his teens, Sage Vishwamitra arrives and asks the king to send Ram to protect his sacrifice from the rakshasas. Dasharatha hesitates; Vasishtha persuades him. In the forest Ram slays Tataka, defeats Maricha and Subahu, and receives divine weapons from the sage. On the way to Mithila he frees Ahalya from her curse.

In Mithila, King Janaka has vowed to give his daughter Sita to the man who can string the bow of Shiva. Ram lifts it, strings it, and the bow breaks in two. The four brothers are married to four princesses of Janaka's house. On the journey home Parashurama challenges Ram and is humbled.

The turning points

• A king's longing for a child, answered through prayer and patience rather than force.
• A father asked to send his son into danger for the good of others, and agreeing.
• The breaking of the bow, which is less about strength than about being worthy of Sita.

What it teaches

Bala Kanda is about preparation. Ram is not born ready to rule; he is trained by Vasishtha at home and tested by Vishwamitra in the forest. He learns to obey before he is asked to lead, and to use power only to protect. Parents will notice that Dasharatha's love had to make room for his son's duty. Students will notice that the prince who later moved the world began by serving a teacher. See also Respect for parents and teachers.

Where to feel it in Ayodhya

The birth is remembered at Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Mandir, the royal household at Dashrath Mahal, and the newly married Sita's home at Kanak Bhawan. The story continues in the Ayodhya Kanda.