As the joyous preparations began, Rama was awakened and invited to rest amidst the melodious sounds of drums and musical instruments, the delicate jingling of golden anklets, and the sweet voices of singers. Bharata, with deep reverence, addressed Rama: “As long as the wheel of time turns and the earth endures, so should your lordship over this world continue.” Hearing these heartfelt words, Rama, the conqueror of enemy cities, graciously accepted with a simple, “So be it,” and seated himself upon the splendid throne prepared for him. At Shatrughna’s request, skilled barbers, gentle and swift, gathered around Rama. First, Bharata bathed, followed by mighty Lakshmana, Sugriva, king of the vanaras, and Vibhishana, king of the rakshasas. Then Rama, his matted locks now cleansed, bathed and adorned himself with fragrant garlands and unguents. Dressed in magnificent garments, he stood radiant with royal majesty. The valiant upholder of the Ikshvaku lineage arranged for the ceremonial adornment of both Rama and Lakshmana, who shone with fortune. Meanwhile, the noble and graceful wives of Dasharatha, led by Sita, prepared her ceremonial adornment, making it delightful. Kausalya, overjoyed and affectionate toward her son, personally adorned all the wives of the vanaras, making them splendid as well. At Shatrughna’s command, Sumatra the charioteer yoked and brought forth a chariot resplendent in every aspect. When Rama saw this divine chariot, shining like fire and the sun, he, mighty-armed and victorious, ascended it. Sugriva and Hanuman, radiant as Mahendra himself, bathed and donned garments of heavenly brilliance, adorning themselves with auspicious earrings. Sugriva’s wives and Sita, adorned with beautiful ornaments and eager to see the city, also set out, wearing auspicious earrings. In Ayodhya, King Dasharatha’s ministers, with the priest at their head, gathered in wise deliberation. Ashoka, Vijaya, and Siddhartha, attentive and thoughtful, consulted together for Rama’s prosperity and the city’s welfare, instructing that all auspicious and fitting arrangements for Rama’s coronation be made. Having given these instructions, the priest quickly departed the city, eager to see Rama. Rama, flawless and majestic like Indra riding his horse-drawn chariot, set out in the excellent chariot. Bharata took hold of the reins, Shatrughna held the royal parasol above Rama, and Lakshmana gently fanned Rama’s head. Nearby, Vibhishana, lord of the rakshasas, took up another fan, white and shining like the moon. At that very moment, in the sky above, groups of sages and gods with the Maruts sang the praises of Rama, and a sweet, celestial sound filled the air. Sugriva, the mighty leader of the vanaras, mounted a great elephant named Shatruñjaya, massive as a mountain. The vanaras, having assumed human form and adorned with all ornaments, rode upon nine thousand elephants. The air was alive with the resonant sound of conches and the thunder of drums as Rama, the tiger among men, made his way toward the city adorned with grand mansions. The people saw Rama, resplendent in form and mighty as a chariot-warrior, leading the way. They offered their respects to Kakutstha, and Rama, in turn, greeted them warmly. They followed him, the great-souled one, surrounded by his brothers. Attended by ministers, Brahmins, and the people, Rama shone with splendor like the moon among the stars. He was surrounded by musicians playing instruments, their hands holding cymbals and auspicious symbols, joyfully proclaiming blessings as he proceeded. Ahead of Rama, people carried unbroken rice, gold, cows, maidens accompanied by twice-born men, and men holding sweets in their hands, all as auspicious offerings. Rama spoke to the ministers about his friendship with Sugriva, the valor of Hanuman—the Wind-god’s son—and the heroic deeds of the vanaras. Hearing this, the people of Ayodhya marveled at the exploits of the vanaras and the strength of the rakshasas, while Rama also spoke to the ministers about his alliance with Vibhishana. Having recounted these glories, Rama, accompanied by the vanaras, entered Ayodhya, which overflowed with joyful and prosperous people. The townsfolk raised banners on every house as Rama reached his father’s beautiful residence, the ancestral home of the Ikshvaku line. There, the prince, the joy of the Raghu dynasty, addressed Bharata, the best of the righteous, with words full of meaning and sweetness. Upon entering his father’s great house, Rama respectfully saluted Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. He then instructed, “That best of my houses, vast and adorned with an Ashoka grove, pearls, and cat’s-eye gems—offer it to Sugriva.” Hearing this command, Bharata, steadfast in valor, took Sugriva by the hand and led him into that splendid residence. Prompted by Shatrughna, they quickly brought oil lamps and bedding and entered. Then, Rama’s younger brother said to Sugriva, “Order the messengers, lord, for Rama’s consecration.” Sugriva promptly gave four golden pitchers, encrusted with every jewel, to the four chiefs of the vanaras to prepare for the sacred ceremony.