"Placing my head on the feet of Sri Hari I commence this story in the Samvat year 1631 (AD 1574). On Tuesday, the ninth of the lunar month of Caitra, this story shed its lustre at Ayodhya. On this day of Sri Rama's birth the presiding spirits of all holy places flock there — so declare the Vedas — and demons, Nagas, birds, human beings, sages and gods come and pay their homage to the Lard of Raghus. Wise men celebrate the great birthday festival and sing the sweet glory of Sri Rama. Numerous groups of pious men take dip in the holy water of the Sarayu and, visualizing in their heart the beautiful swarthy form of Sri Rama mutter His name."