Painting of multiple Hindu deities including Brahma, Vishnu/Rama, Rama, Sita, Lakshmana, and a child in a forest by a river.

In the silent forest by the Ganges, Lord Brahma appears before the hunter Ratnakara. Ratnakara, moved by Brahma’s divine presence, repents of his misdeeds. Granting him a boon, Brahma transforms him into Valmiki, the sage, and blesses him with the power to compose epic verse. Meanwhile, in Ayodhya, King Dasharatha and Queen Kausalya rejoice at the birth of their son, Rama—an incarnation of Lord Vishnu. Rama’s birth fills the city with joy, his divine aura promising peace. Soon after, Queen Kaikeyi bears Bharata, and Sumitra gives birth to the twins Lakshmana and Shatrughna. These four brothers grow in virtue under the guidance of Sage Vashishta, mastering archery, statecraft, and dharma. Their childhood is idyllic: Rama’s valor shines when he breaks Shiva’s bow at King Janaka’s swayamvara to win Princess Sita’s hand, while Lakshmana and Bharata display unwavering loyalty. See more