Bala Kand: The First Chapter of Ramayana (Simplified)
The Bala Kand is the first chapter of the Ramayana, written by Sage Valmiki. It tells the story of Lord Rama’s childhood and early life. Here is a simple version:
Sage Valmiki and Narada’s Visit
Sage Valmiki, a wise and kind man, once asked Narada, a divine sage, a question. He wanted to know if there was a perfect man on Earth who was strong, kind, truthful, and fair. Narada told him about Lord Rama, the prince of Ayodhya, who was the perfect man. Narada briefly told Rama’s story and left.
Valmiki Writes the Ramayana
One day, Sage Valmiki saw a bird couple happily playing. Suddenly, a hunter killed the male bird, leaving the female bird alone and sad. Valmiki felt deep pain and cursed the hunter. From this pain, he spoke a beautiful verse, which became the first shloka (poem) of the Ramayana.
Soon after, Lord Brahma, the creator of the world, appeared before Valmiki. He told him to write the story of Lord Rama. Brahma blessed Valmiki, saying he would know everything about Rama’s life. Valmiki then wrote the Ramayana, which has seven chapters, starting with Bala Kand.
The Birth of Lord Rama and His Brothers
In the kingdom of Ayodhya, King Dasharatha was a kind and brave ruler. He had three queens: Kaushalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. The king was sad because he had no children. He performed a sacred ritual, called Putrakameshti Yajna, to ask the gods for a child.
The gods blessed Dasharatha. Lord Vishnu, the protector of the universe, decided to be born as a human to defeat the demon king Ravana. Lord Vishnu divided himself into four parts. Dasharatha’s queens gave birth to four sons:
- Rama (Kaushalya’s son),
- Bharata (Kaikeyi’s son),
- Lakshmana and Shatrughna (Sumitra’s twin sons).
The people of Ayodhya were very happy and celebrated the birth of the princes.
Rama and Lakshmana’s Training
As the princes grew, they learned the Vedas, archery, and other skills. Among the four brothers, Rama and Lakshmana were very close. Sage Vishwamitra, a great saint, came to Ayodhya to ask for Dasharatha’s help. Two powerful demons, Tataka and Subahu, were disturbing his sacred rituals. He asked for Rama and Lakshmana to fight the demons.
Dasharatha was worried because Rama was just a boy, but Vishwamitra assured him that Rama would win. Rama and Lakshmana went with the sage to his hermitage.
Rama Defeats Tataka and Subahu
On their way, they entered a forest full of wild animals and demons. Rama killed the fierce demoness Tataka with his bow and arrow. Vishwamitra was very pleased and taught Rama divine weapons.
Later, the brothers fought Subahu and his army of demons. Rama used his powerful weapons to destroy them, bringing peace to the forest. Vishwamitra blessed Rama and Lakshmana for their bravery.
The Swayamvara of Sita
Vishwamitra took Rama and Lakshmana to the kingdom of Mithila, ruled by King Janaka. There, Janaka was holding a swayamvara (a ceremony where a bride chooses her husband). Janaka’s daughter, Sita, was looking for a groom. The challenge for the suitors was to lift and string a giant bow, the Shiva Dhanush.
Many princes from different kingdoms tried but failed. When it was Rama’s turn, he not only lifted the bow but also broke it in two. Everyone was amazed by Rama’s strength. Sita chose Rama as her husband by placing a garland around his neck.
The Marriage of Rama and Sita
After the swayamvara, King Janaka invited Dasharatha to Mithila for the wedding. The entire royal family came, and there was great joy. Rama married Sita, and his brothers married Sita’s sisters:
- Bharata married Mandavi,
- Lakshmana married Urmila,
- Shatrughna married Shrutakirti.
The weddings were celebrated with much happiness and grandeur. The princes returned to Ayodhya with their brides.
The End of Bala Kand
The Bala Kand ends with the joyous return of Rama, Sita, and the royal family to Ayodhya. Rama’s childhood and marriage mark the beginning of his journey to fulfill his destiny.
More stories:
- English Short Stories of Raja Harishchandra
- English Short Stories of Lord Hanuman
- English Short Stories of Shivaji
- English Short Stories of Lord Ram
- English Short Stories of Lord Brahma
