Rāma, gazing upon the assembled vanaras, addressed Sugrīva with gentle wisdom. “Here stands Aṅgada, the eldest son of your elder brother, Vāli—equal in valor, undaunted in spirit, and worthy of the office of crown prince,” he said, affirming Aṅgada’s noble qualities. Turning his gaze to the sky, Rāma continued, “Now the first month of the rainy season, Śrāvaṇa, has arrived, bringing the swelling waters. The four months of rain are upon us, gentle one. This is not the time for action. Enter the auspicious city and dwell there. I shall remain on this mountain, together with Lakṣmaṇa.” He pointed to the broad, delightful mountain cave nearby. “This cave is filled with pleasant breezes, abundant waters, and many lotuses and water-lilies, gentle one. When Kārtika arrives, the time will be right. Then, as we agreed, we will set forth for the slaying of Rāvaṇa. Until then, return to your own abode, consecrate yourself as king, and gladden your friends.” Thus permitted by Rāma, Sugrīva, foremost among the vanaras, entered the delightful city of Kiṣkindhā, which had once been ruled by Vāli. Thousands of vanaras followed their lord, surrounding him on all sides. As Sugrīva approached, the chiefs of the monkey hosts bowed their heads and fell to the earth in reverence, concentrating their minds in devotion. Sugrīva, strong in valor, addressed them kindly and raised them up. He then entered the pleasant inner quarters that had belonged to his brother Vāli. There, his friends anointed him as the gods once anointed Indra. They brought forth a pale parasol adorned with gold, white fly-whisks with golden handles, all manner of precious gems, and seeds of medicinal plants. Sprouts and flowers from milk-bearing trees, pure white garments, and fragrant white unguents were presented. They brought unbroken rice, gold, fragrant priyaṅgu, honey mixed with clarified butter, curds, a tiger skin, and two valuable sandals. Noble maidens, sixteen in number, arrived bearing the ceremonial thread, yellow pigment, and manahshila. To anoint Sugrīva according to tradition, the eminent Brahmins were first satisfied with gifts of gems, garments, and food. On a place strewn with sacred grass and with the fire kindled, the ritual experts offered oblations purified by mantras. Afterwards, on a golden platform covered with splendid bedding, atop a beautiful palace adorned with garlands, Sugrīva was seated facing east upon a splendid throne, as prescribed by ritual and mantras. Water was gathered from rivers and lakes all around, and also from all the seas. The foremost monkeys placed this pure water in golden vessels, in auspicious bull-horned pitchers and golden pots, following the methods prescribed in scripture and established by great sages. Gaja, Gavākṣa, Gavaya, Śarabha, Gandhamādana, Mainda, Dvivida, Hanumān, and Jāmbavān anointed Sugrīva with pleasing, fragrant water, as the Vasus once anointed Indra, the thousand-eyed lord of the gods. When Sugrīva had been anointed, all the foremost monkeys—great-souled and delighted—shouted in their hundreds of thousands. Honoring Rāma’s word, Sugrīva embraced Aṅgada and anointed him as crown prince. When Aṅgada had been anointed, the compassionate vanaras honored Sugrīva, praising him with cries of “Well done, well done!” Again and again, all those present joyfully praised Rāma, the great soul, and Lakṣmaṇa, in that festive gathering. The city of Kiṣkindhā, nestled in its mountain cave, became filled with joyful and prosperous people, adorned with banners and flags. When all was done, the great consecration was reported to Rāma. Sugrīva, having regained his wife Ruma and attained the kingdom, shone like the lord of the gods. Now, listen to the twenty-seventh sarga. When Sugrīva had been anointed and the vanaras had entered the cave, Rāma, together with his brother Lakṣmaṇa, departed for Mount Prasravaṇa. That mountain was filled with the sounds of tigers and deer, surrounded by lions whose roars echoed terrifyingly, concealed by various shrubs and creepers, and crowded with many trees. Bears, vanaras with long tails, and wild cats frequented the slopes. The mountain, resembling a mass of clouds, was always pure and auspicious. On the summit, Rāma and Saumitri found a great, spacious cave and took up residence there. Having made his agreement with Sugrīva, Rāma, the sinless descendant of Raghu, spoke a timely and significant word to his brother. “Lakṣmaṇa, enhancer of prosperity, this mountain cave is delightful, spacious, and well-ventilated. Here, O Saumitri, subduer of enemies, we shall dwell for the rainy season. This beautiful mountain peak is excellent, O prince.” He described the mountain’s splendor: “It is adorned with white, black, and copper-colored rocks, filled with various minerals, and accompanied by rivers and frogs. Clusters of diverse trees, entwined with lovely and colorful creepers, fill the slopes, and flocks of various birds and splendid peacocks call out. The mountain is adorned with blooming jasmine, kund, sinduvara, shirisha, kadamba, arjuna, and sarja trees.” Thus, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa made their dwelling on Mount Prasravaṇa, awaiting the end of the rainy season and the time to fulfill their vow.