**King of Ayodhya in the story of Ramayana: Dasaratha**

**Explanation:**

In the epic story of Ramayana, the king of Ayodhya is Dasaratha. He is an important character in the story and the father of Lord Rama, the protagonist of the epic.

**Background of Dasaratha:**

Dasaratha was the son of King Aja and Queen Indumati. He belonged to the Ikshvaku dynasty, which was known for its righteousness and noble deeds. Dasaratha was a just and virtuous ruler who was loved and respected by his subjects. He ruled Ayodhya with wisdom and compassion.

**Dasaratha's Story:**

Dasaratha's story is intricately connected to the main plot of Ramayana. He had three wives - Kausalya, Kaikeyi, and Sumitra. However, he was unable to bear children and this troubled him greatly. Seeking a solution, he performed a grand yagna (sacrificial ritual) to please the gods.

As a result of the yagna, the gods blessed Dasaratha with divine payasam (sweet rice pudding), which he distributed among his wives. Shortly after consuming the payasam, each of his wives became pregnant.

**The Birth of Lord Rama:**

Kausalya, Dasaratha's first wife, gave birth to Lord Rama. He was the eldest and the most virtuous among the four sons of Dasaratha. Rama was known for his righteousness, courage, and devotion to duty. He is considered to be the seventh avatar of Lord Vishnu.

**Dasaratha's Role in the Story:**

Dasaratha played a significant role in the story of Ramayana. He loved Rama dearly and wanted to crown him as the future king of Ayodhya. However, due to a series of events orchestrated by Kaikeyi, Dasaratha's second wife, he was compelled to send Rama into exile for fourteen years.

The grief-stricken Dasaratha could not bear the separation from his beloved son and eventually died of a broken heart. His death marked a turning point in the story as it led to a chain of events that ultimately culminated in the victory of good over evil.

**Conclusion:**

In summary, Dasaratha was the king of Ayodhya in the story of Ramayana. He was a just and virtuous ruler who loved his son Rama immensely. Despite facing various challenges and making difficult decisions, Dasaratha's character remains an important part of the epic, adding depth and complexity to the narrative.