According to the Valmiki Ramayana, long ago the city of Ayodhya was ruled by King Dasharatha. He had everything — a great kingdom, brave armies, the love of his people. But one sorrow never left him. He had no son.
King Dasharatha went to his learned teacher, Maharshi Vashishtha, for guidance. The sage advised him — perform the Putrakameshti yajna (a sacred fire ritual performed to pray for a son). Only the great sage Rishyashringa could lead this ceremony. The king sent for him at once.
Preparations began. Kings and sages from near and far arrived in Ayodhya. The air filled with the chanting of sacred Vedic verses. The yajna went on for many days.
When the ritual was complete, a radiant being rose from the sacred fire. In his hands was a golden vessel filled with kheer — sweet rice pudding. He offered it to King Dasharatha with these words: 'Share this among your three queens.'
King Dasharatha had three queens — Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. He gave half the kheer to Kaushalya. Then half of what remained went to Kaikeyi. And what was left, he divided and gave both portions to Sumitra.
Several months passed. It was the ninth day of the bright fortnight of the month of Chaitra, at noon. The sky was clear. In Kaushalya's chamber, a child was born — radiant and calm. They named him Ram.
That same day, Kaikeyi gave birth to Bharat. And Sumitra was blessed with two sons — Lakshman and Shatrughna. All of Ayodhya burst into celebration. The city gates were decorated with garlands of flowers.
Tears of joy ran down King Dasharatha's face. His years of waiting had come to their end. He gave gifts to the learned Brahmins and distributed sweets to the people. The streets of Ayodhya rang with happiness all day long.