Sage Vasishtha sent a message to Ayodhya when the princes completed their education. Dasharatha sent his minister, Sumantra, to fetch the youngsters. Taking the blessings of their venerable teacher, the princes left for Ayodhya. The city had turned out into the streets to welcome them home. A great cheer went up as the people saw the chariots coming in with the princes. All the princes greeted their mothers before they all bowed to their worthy father. Dasharatha was delighted to have his sons back and watched with pride and joy the way Rama guided his younger brothers on the matters of conduct and state-craft. One day, Sage Vishwamitra came to the palace. Welcoming him, Dasharatha assured him of any help he needed. Vishwamitra said that two demons, Mareecha and Subahu, were disturbing his worship and sacrifices. He asked that Rama might be sent with him to protect the sages during their rituals.
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