They offered their salutations to their father Dasaratha, guru Vasishta and sage Vishwamitra. Dasaratha introduced his sons to Vishwamitra.

Lakshmana also came, as it was his practice to be with Rama always. Rama came and stood in front of Vasishta. You are not able to appreciate that they are the Divine might itself in human form.” Then Vasishta called for Rama.

They will fall upon the enemies like thunderbolts. You are downcast because of your attachment to your children. Sage Vasishta looked at Dasaratha and said to him, “These youths are not ordinary boys. He called Vasishta, the family guru and held deliberations with him. He also feared that Vishwamitra might curse him. He knew that he should be extremely careful in dealing with Pamulu (snakes) and Swamulu (sages). If you think that you are correct I am going back.” Dasaratha took to heart the words spoken by Vishwamitra. It is unfair on your part to go back on your word. You have promised me that you would certainly honour my request. He roared, “The descendants of Ikshvaku never go back on their promises. How can they protect the Yagna?” Vishwamitra pretended to be angry when he heard the words of the king. They are not well acquainted in the art of using weapons. These boys are quite young, hardly fourteen years old. I will assume the responsibility for the protection of the Yagna. He thought that it was unjust on his part to send them to the forest. He did not like the idea of sending the tender little boys to the forest. I therefore seek the help of your sons to accompany me to protect the Yagna, which I am going to perform for the welfare and well-being of the world.” These words came as a shock to Dasaratha. Violence and bloodshed are prohibited for a rithwic performing a Yagna. But the austerities of the Yagna forbid me to use them when I myself am performing it. I have the power and the strength to counter them, for I have powerful weapons at my command. But the demons pose many impediments to the conduct of the Yagna. The sage told the emperor, “O Dasaratha! I have decided to conduct a Yagna for the welfare of the world. When people come to our house, it is essential that we treat them respectfully and give joy to them. When sage Vishwamitra came to Dasaratha, the emperor received him with all courtesy, invited him to occupy a high seat and yearned to know the reason for the sage’s arrival, and, without entertaining any shadow of doubt, offered to render any service the sage needed.

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