The Princes at the Guru’s Ashram

Emperor Dasharatha trained his sons in archery, and they soon became expert marksmen. After the four princes came of age, the emperor decided it was time for them to receive a formal education, so he sent them to Sage Vashishtha's ashram. In the tradition of ancient Bharatavarsha, everyone—whether prince or pauper—was expected to study at a guru's ashram to gain knowledge.

It is worth spending some time learning about Sage Vashishtha. He was a very learned man; his teachings are recorded in a text called Yogavashishtha, a repository of invaluable spiritual knowledge. He meditated for long hours during Brahmamuhurta—the sacred time two to three hours before sunrise. A compassionate sage, he bore no ill will even toward people who had wronged him. Even after Sage Vishwamitra destroyed his hundred sons, Vashishtha bore no grudge against him. 

Once, Sage Vashishtha's wife, Arundhati, exclaimed to him, "Look how clear the moonlight is!" 

"Undoubtedly," Vashishtha replied, "but it is not as bright or pure as Vishwamitra's spiritual radiance."

By chance, Vishwamitra overheard this conversation. Upon hearing Vashishtha praise him, he was filled with guilt and remorse. He fell at Vashishtha's feet and begged for forgiveness. After this incident, the two became close friends with great respect for one another.

Under Vashishtha's guidance, the four princes finished their education. Before returning to Ayodhya, they touched their guru's feet and thanked him for guiding their physical, mental, and spiritual growth. The guru hugged the princes and blessed them.

The princes were sad to leave their beloved guru, but also excited to reunite with their parents. They climbed onto a chariot and began traveling toward Ayodhya. The city's residents were overjoyed when they saw the chariot carrying Rama, Lakshmana, Bharata, and Shatrughna. The streets of Ayodhya were filled with celebrations.