King Dasharatha has no children. He wants children so he will have a successor when he passes away. A sacrifice is performed and, from that sacrifice, a special rice is obtained. This rice is given to King Dasharatha's wives to make them become pregnant. Four sons are born: Rama, Bharata, Lakshmana, and Shatrughna.
Chapter 1: Rama's Initiation
Viswamithra once was a king, but is now a sage. He asked Dasharatha if he could take Rama with him to conquer the evil creatures that are at Sidhasrama (a sacred ground). The King said no at first, but gave in eventually. He let his other son, Lakshmana, go with Rama.
Viswamithra told Rama and Lakshmana a few stories and then he prepared to perform sacrifices. The demons tried to distract them during this time. Rama and his brother tried to fight off the demons and keep the sacrifice going. It worked and the sacrifice was completed.
Ganga's Story (p. 16)
Ganga is the river that flows through the land. She had to be tamed and controlled before she could be on the earth. King Sakara (one of their ancestors) wanted to expand his kingdom by performing the Horse Sacrifice. Indra (a god) stole the horse and hid it underground. Sakara's son's found the horse and Kapila burned them to death. Bhagiratha wanted salvation for his ancestors, so he prayed for many years. Shiva helped him bring down Ganga so his ancestors could obtain salvation.
Chapter 2: The Wedding
Rama and Sita fell in love at first sight. Rama passes the test he must undergo to win Sita's hand and they are married.
Chapter 3: Two Promises Revived
The king discovers that he is aging and decides he needs to pass his kingdom on to Rama. The coronation is planned for the next day. The King owed Kaikeyi 2 promises. She used these now to exile Rama for 14 years and make Bharata (her son) the king's successor. Rama went into exile without complaint.
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