Seeing the divine chariot, radiant like blazing fire and the midday sun, standing ready before him, Rama—the mighty-armed conqueror of enemy cities—ascended it. At his side, Sugriva and Hanuman appeared, their forms shining with a brilliance like that of Mahendra himself. Both had bathed and donned garments of celestial beauty, and auspicious earrings adorned their ears as they prepared to depart. Sugriva’s wives, resplendent in all their ornaments and auspicious earrings, joined Sita, eager to behold the city that awaited them. Meanwhile, in Ayodhya, the wise ministers of King Dasharatha gathered with the chief priest at their head, deliberating with care and foresight. Ashoka, Vijaya, and Siddhartha, ever attentive, consulted together, seeking Rama’s prosperity and the well-being of the city. They resolved, “All that is auspicious and fitting for the coronation of the great-souled and victorious Rama must be prepared.” With these instructions, the priest hastened from the city, his heart intent on seeing Rama. Mounted upon the splendid chariot, Rama shone flawless and majestic, reminiscent of Indra himself riding forth with his team of horses. Bharata took hold of the reins, guiding the chariot; Shatrughna held the royal parasol high, shading his brother; and Lakshmana gently fanned Rama’s head, bringing him comfort. Nearby stood Vibhishana, lord of the rakshasas, holding another fan—white and lustrous as the moon. At that very moment, the heavens resounded with praise. Sages and gods, together with the swift Maruts, sang hymns in Rama’s honor, and a sweet, celestial sound filled the air. Sugriva, the mighty leader of the vanaras, ascended a great elephant named Shatruñjaya, massive as a mountain. The vanaras themselves, assuming human forms and adorned with ornaments, rode atop nine thousand elephants, forming a grand procession. The air vibrated with the resonant sounds of conches and the thunderous beat of drums as Rama, the tiger among men, advanced toward the city adorned with splendid mansions. The people beheld Raghava—resplendent and mighty—leading the way, a true chariot-warrior. As they approached, the citizens offered their respects to Rama of the Kakutstha line, and Rama greeted them in return. Thus surrounded by his brothers, Rama proceeded, attended by ministers, Brahmins, and the people, shining with splendor like the moon amidst the stars. Musicians walked ahead, hands bearing cymbals and auspicious emblems, joyfully proclaiming blessings as they surrounded Rama. Before him went bearers of unbroken rice, gold, cows, maidens accompanied by twice-born men, and others holding sweets in their hands—all auspicious offerings for the great occasion. As the procession moved forward, Rama spoke with his ministers, recounting his deep friendship with Sugriva, the mighty deeds of Hanuman, son of the Wind-god, and the valor of the vanaras. Hearing these tales, the people of Ayodhya marveled at the vanaras’ exploits and the formidable strength of the rakshasas. Rama also told the ministers of his alliance with Vibhishana. Having thus recounted these glories, Rama, accompanied by the vanaras, entered Ayodhya—a city resplendent with joy and prosperity. The townspeople, in celebration, raised banners on every house. Rama reached his father’s splendid house, the abode of the Ikshvaku line. There, the prince—Raghus’ delight—addressed Bharata, the best among the righteous, in words filled with meaning and sweetness. Entering the great house of his father, Rama bowed in reverence to Kausalya, Sumitra, and Kaikeyi. He then said, “That best of my houses, vast and adorned with an Ashoka grove, pearls, and cat’s-eye gems—offer it to Sugriva.” Hearing these words, Bharata, true in valor, took Sugriva by the hand and led him into that beautiful residence. Prompted by Shatrughna, they quickly entered, bringing oil lamps and bedding to make their guest comfortable. Shatrughna, Rama’s mighty younger brother, then said to Sugriva, “Order messengers, lord, for Rama’s consecration.” Sugriva responded at once, giving four golden pitchers, adorned with every jewel, to the four chiefs of the vanaras. He instructed them, “At dawn, prepare yourselves with four pitchers filled with water from the ocean. Go forth, O vanaras.” Hearing this, those great-souled vanaras, strong as elephants, leapt into the sky with the swiftness of Garuda himself. Jambavan, Hanuman, the swift Vegadarshin, and Rishabha brought back pitchers filled with water, their hands shaped like water-jars. They gathered water from five hundred rivers and brought a pitcher filled with water from the eastern ocean. Sushena, noble and adorned with jewels, together with Rishabha, swiftly brought water from the southern ocean. Gavaya brought water from the vast western ocean in a golden pot, fragrant with red sandalwood and camphor. Hanuman, mightiest and swift as the wind, brought cool water from the north in a great jeweled pitcher. Thus, the righteous Hanuman and the foremost monkeys brought the waters, and when all the pitchers had been assembled, Shatrughna, with the ministers, presented them to the chief priest and their friends for Rama’s consecration. Then the venerable and pure Vasistha, together with the brahmins, seated Rama and Sita upon a jeweled throne, ready at last for the sacred coronation.