Reading room

Bālakāṇḍa (Book of Childhood)

Valmiki

First book and a late stratum. It contains the poem's frame —Vālmīki's question to Nārada, the scene of the cranes and Brahmā's command—, the birth of Rāma and his brothers after Daśaratha's sacrifice, the expedition with Viśvāmitra, numerous interpolated legends (the descent of the Ganges, Ahalyā, the rivalry of Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra), the breaking of Śiva's bow and the marriage to Sītā.