Putrakameshti (Ramayana Series - 1)

Ayodhya was a kingdom blessed with noble citizens—charitable, brave in their duties, tolerant of hardship, and faithful followers of truth and dharma. This glorious empire was ruled by a beloved and wise king, known for his foresight, self-control, righteousness, and unmatched valor—King Dasharatha.

King Dasharatha, who ruled Ayodhya, was considered equal to Lord Indra in stature. Born into the Ikshvaku dynasty, he was a mighty warrior capable of waging war without assistance, even when accompanied by ten thousand charioteers. His court was graced by eight brilliant ministers—Drishti, Jayanta, Vijaya, Siddhartha, Arthasadhaka, Ashoka, Mantrapala, and Sumantra—each wise, politically astute, and capable of reading others' thoughts just by observing their expressions. The royal priests included the revered sages Vashistha and Vamadeva, and ritual experts such as Suyajna, Jabali, Kashyapa, Gautama, the long-lived Markandeya, Katyayana, and others deeply committed to Vedic sacrifices.

Dasharatha ruled with the guidance of these noble sages and wise ministers, leading a life free of vice. Across the land, he was known for his generosity and unwavering commitment to truth. There was no enemy who could match or surpass his strength. Yet, the king had one sorrow—despite all his virtues, he had no children to continue his lineage. Desperate for a son, he consulted his ministers and his guru, Vashistha. Based on their counsel, Dasharatha resolved to perform the grand Ashwamedha Yajna, a powerful Vedic ritual, to seek divine blessings for offspring.

When Dasharatha informed his queens about the yajna and instructed them to undertake the necessary vows for the ritual, their faces lit up with joy, like lotus flowers blooming after winter.

At this time, his minister Sumantra recounted the story of how the sage Rishyashringa had once brought rainfall to the drought-stricken land of Anga by simply arriving there, due to his immense spiritual power. Sumantra advised that inviting this great sage to conduct the yajna would ensure the birth of children. Moved by this story, Dasharatha, along with his entourage, journeyed to Anga and brought the revered sage back to Ayodhya.

Sage Rishyashringa then began the sacred Putrakameshti Yajna, a special ritual aimed specifically at granting progeny.

Meanwhile, in the heavens, the demon king Ravana, empowered by a boon from Brahma that made him invincible to gods, was causing great suffering to celestial beings. They approached Lord Brahma with their grievances. Brahma explained that Ravana had overlooked asking protection from humans, out of arrogance. Thus, it was destined that Ravana would be slain by a human. Hearing this, the gods were relieved and turned to Lord Vishnu, requesting him to incarnate as a human to destroy Ravana.

Lord Vishnu agreed and chose to be born as the sons of Dasharatha and his three queens—Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra—who were daughters of King Daksha and embodiments of virtue and grace. Vishnu, the divine protector, decided to manifest himself in four forms, thereby becoming the sons of Dasharatha.

Putrakameshti Yaag

As the Putrakameshti Yajna reached its conclusion, a divine being emerged from the sacred fire, holding a golden vessel filled with divine pudding (payasam). He presented it to Dasharatha, saying:

“O King, the gods are pleased with your Ashwamedha and Putrakameshti rituals. As a result, you have received this divine payasam. Give it to your queens. Through this, your wish for children will be fulfilled. The queens who consume this sacred offering will bear sons.”

Overjoyed, Dasharatha divided the payasam among his three queens—Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. Filled with happiness and reverence, the queens accepted it, feeling blessed. In due course, all three became pregnant, setting the stage for the divine births that would change the course of history.

Twelve months after the performance of the Ashwamedha Yajna, on the auspicious day of Chaitra Shuddha Navami, under the Punarvasu star, with five planets in their exalted positions, and Jupiter in conjunction with the Moon, a momentous event unfolded. At this divine hour, Queen Kausalya gave birth to a radiant child—an incarnation of Lord Vishnu himself. This divine being, possessing every noble quality, destined to expand the glory of the Ikshvaku dynasty, was none other than Lord Rama, the savior of the worlds and embodiment of dharma.

Shortly afterward, Queen Kaikeyi gave birth to a valiant and righteous son, born from one-fourth of Lord Vishnu’s essence. He was named Bharata, blessed with truth and valor.

Queen Sumitra, through the blessings of Vishnu’s divine energy, gave birth to twin sons, who were both skilled in all forms of warfare and destined for greatness. These two were Lakshmana and Shatrughna, each sharing an equal part of the Lord’s divine essence.

At the time of their births, the heavens themselves celebrated. The Gandharvas sang in sweet melody, the Apsaras danced gracefully, divine drums resounded in the skies, and a shower of celestial flowers fell from above. The entire city of Ayodhya was filled with joy and festivity. People rejoiced in their homes, lighting lamps and celebrating the arrival of their future protectors.

The revered sage Vashistha, filled with delight, bestowed names upon the newborn princes:

• The eldest, son of Kausalya, was named Rama.

• The son of Kaikeyi was named Bharata.

• The twin sons of Sumitra were named Lakshmana and Shatrughna.

These divine children were destined not only to bring glory to Ayodhya, but to uphold righteousness for all of humanity.