invulnerable and invincible against Devas, Asuras, Gandharvas and other such beings. In his arrogance, Raavana did not care to ask for security against mankind. As Brahma revealed this fateful omission all the Gods rejoiced and turned to Vishnu. 
Absolutely surrendering themselves to Hari, the Devas begged him to be born as a man and put an end to Raavana and his atrocities. Hari agreed and assured the Devas that he would be born as four sons of King Dasaratha who was then performing a sacrifice for progeny. 
As the ghee was poured into the fire and the flames shot up to meet it, from out of the flames came a majestic figure, resplendent like the noonday sun, holding a bowl of gold. Calling King Dasaratha by his name, the figure said: "The Devas are pleased with you and are answering your prayer. Here is paayasam sent by the gods for your wives. You will be blessed with sons if they drink this divine beverage."
With joy unbounded, Dasaratha received the bowl as he would receive a child and distributed the paayasam to his three wives, Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi. He asked Kausalya to drink a half of the paayasam and he gave a half of what remained to Sumitra. Half of what was then left was drunk by Kaikeyi, and what remained was given to Sumitra again.
Dasaratha's wives were happy, even as a beggar suddenly coming upon buried treasure. And in due course all of them were expectant mothers.

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