King Dasharatha in consultation with the Royal Priest Vasishtha sent them to his ashrama (hermitage). During those days, the centre of learning was Gurukul alone. They soon mastered the scriptures and state-craft.
Sage Vasishtha was pure-hearted. Once, when Sage Vishwamitra was the king, he at the head of his army reached the hermitage of Sage Vasishtha who fed all of them in befitting manner. Vishwamitra was greatly surprised as to how the great Sage prepared the food so quickly. On enquiry, he came to learn that the Sage had a cow named Nandini. Vishwamitra demanded Nandini from Sage Vasishtha but the latter refused to part with it. Then Vishwamitra tried to take away Nandini forcibly. Seeing this, Nandini did away with the king’s entire army along with his son. Vishwamitra returned to his kingdom in a fit of anger. He retired to the forest and obtained divine weapons having undergone austere penance. Thereafter, he killed all the sons of Sage Vasishtha. When good sense dawned upon Vishwamitra, he became a devoted friend of Sage Vasishtha.
Sage Vasishtha taught right conduct to the four princes and made them understand what was expected of a king in dealing with his subjects. Message was sent to king Dasharatha when the princes had completed their education. The three queens set about making preparations to welcome their sons. King Dasharatha sent his minister, Sumantra, to fetch the princes. The princes returned to Ayodhya. They had attained the age of adolescence. They were given a warm welcome. They greeted their mothers and their worthy father.
King Dasharatha was delighted to have his sons back. He was satisfied with the education of his sons. He was more than sure that his sons would take care of the administration of the kingdom. Rama was sombre as well as the dispeller of grief. The three brothers were proud of Rama. Their fame spread far and wide. One day, Sage Vishwamitra came to the palace. He asked king Dasharatha to protect his yagya. Welcoming him, king Dasharatha assured him of all possible help he needed.
