Bal Kanda
Narration
In the sixteenth chapter of the Bāla Kāṇḍa, it is said that while King Dasharatha was performing the Putreshthi Yajna, a huge, magnificent man emerged from the fire altar. His body shone with a radiance beyond comparison. His strength and power were immense. His complexion was dark, and he was dressed in red garments. His face, too, was red. From his speech came a deep, resonant sound like the beating of a great drum. His body hair, beard, moustache, and long locks were smooth and lion-like. He possessed auspicious features, adorned with divine ornaments. He stood tall like a mountain peak and walked with the pride of a majestic lion. His form glowed like the sun, blazing like flames of fire.
In his hands he held a large golden bowl, made of the purified gold known as Jāmbūnad, covered with a silver lid. That bowl was enormous and filled with divine kheer. He lifted it with both arms as lovingly as a man might hold his beloved wife. The sight looked almost supernatural.
Looking toward King Dasharatha, he said, “O King, know me as a being from the realm of Prajapati. I have come here by Prajapati’s command.”
King Dasharatha folded his hands and said, “Revered one, welcome. Tell me, how may I serve you?”
The Prajāpati-born figure then spoke again, “O King, you worship the gods, and therefore this offering has come to you today. O best of men, this kheer has been prepared by the gods and grants the blessing of sons. Accept it. It increases wealth and health as well. Give this kheer to your worthy queens and tell them to eat it. Doing so will bless you with many sons—the very purpose for which you perform this Yajna.”
Greatly pleased, the king said, “Very well,” and took the golden bowl filled with divine food. He placed it on his head with reverence. Bowing to that wondrous and delightful being, he walked around him joyfully in respect. Having delivered the offering, the extraordinary, resplendent being completed his task and disappeared on the spot.
At that moment, the ladies of the royal inner chambers began to glow with joy, their radiance spreading like the charming moonlight of a beautiful autumn night brightens the sky.
Carrying the kheer, King Dasharatha entered the inner palace and said to Kaushalya, “Devi, take this kheer, for it will bless you with a son.” Saying so, the king gave half of the kheer to Queen Kaushalya. From the remaining half, he offered half of that portion to Queen Sumitra.
After giving to both of them, he gave half of what still remained to Queen Kaikeyi for the purpose of obtaining a son. Finally, whatever portion was left — half of that again — the wise king thought for a moment and then gave it once more to Sumitra.
Thus, the king distributed the divine kheer among all his queens. All the virtuous queens received it from his hand as a great honor. Their hearts overflowed with joy. After eating that sacred kheer, the three noble queens soon conceived, each bearing a separate child. Their pregnancies shone with brilliance like fire and the sun.
Seeing his queens expecting children, King Dasharatha was filled with great happiness. He felt that his cherished desire had finally been fulfilled. Just as Indra in heaven rejoices when honored by Siddhas and sages and blessed by Lord Hari, in the same way, King Dasharatha, honored by sages and divine beings on earth, felt fully satisfied.