He was a prince who found fulfillment in a single act of kindness, never allowing himself to dwell on even a hundred wrongs done to him. Ever eager for wisdom, he constantly sought the company of virtuous elders—men advanced in character, wisdom, and age, even among those skilled in the arts of weaponry. Wise and sweet-spoken, he would often be the first to speak, his words always pleasant. Though powerful, he was never astonished by his own strength. Truth was his foundation; he never uttered a falsehood. Learned and respectful to his elders, he was beloved by the people, and their love for him was returned in equal measure. Compassionate and a master of his own anger, he honored the brāhmaṇas and showed mercy to the distressed. Steeped in dharma, he was ever self-controlled and pure. With a mind worthy of his noble lineage, he cherished the kṣatriya duty, holding it in the highest regard and delighting in the heavenly rewards it promised. He took no pleasure in anything inauspicious nor in discordant speech; instead, his words were always well-reasoned, flowing one after another like those of a master of speech. Vigorous and youthful, eloquent and handsome, he knew the proper place and time for all things. Among men, he stood out as the best—a singularly virtuous soul. Endowed with the highest virtues, he was as dear to the people as life itself. Having bathed in all disciplines and vows, he was deeply learned in the Vedas and their branches, and, as Bharata’s elder brother, he even surpassed his father in archery. Noble by birth, virtuous, unshaken by distress, truthful and upright, he was trained by elders and wise twice-born men in the ways of dharma and wealth. Understanding the essence of righteousness, desire, and prosperity, he possessed keen memory and intelligence, skilled in worldly customs and expert in proper conduct. Reserved and quiet in appearance, he kept his counsel secret, supported by faithful companions. Never did he waste his anger or joy, always knowing when to renounce or restrain. Firm in devotion and steady in wisdom, he never accepted falsehood, nor did he speak harshly. Tireless and vigilant, he was ever aware of his own and others’ faults. He was learned in the scriptures, grateful, and discerning of the nature of men. Adept in both restraint and favor, he acted with justice and wisdom. He excelled in gathering and supporting the virtuous, assigning roles, and imposing discipline. He knew the means of acquiring wealth and its proper use. Mastering all branches of weaponry, both pure and composite, he upheld both wealth and righteousness, ever seeking happiness and never succumbing to idleness. He understood the divisions of practical arts and crafts, and was skilled in the training and management of elephants and horses. Foremost among those who knew the science of archery, he was renowned as a great chariot-warrior, adept in attack, combat, and the arrangement of armies. In battle, he was invincible—even the enraged gods and demons could not overcome him. Free from envy, he had conquered anger and was neither arrogant nor jealous. No being dared despise him, nor was he subject to the sway of time. Thus was the prince, son of the king, endowed with the highest virtues. He was esteemed in all three worlds for his forbearance, equal to the earth itself. In wisdom, he was like Brihaspati; in strength, like Indra, the lord of Shachi. With these virtues, beloved by all and pleasing to his father, Rama shone forth, radiant like the sun. His conduct and prowess were without equal, unconquerable—like a lord of the world. The earth herself longed for him as her protector. Seeing his son endowed with such incomparable virtues, King Dasharatha, the subduer of foes, was filled with deep thought. In his old age, the king pondered, “How might Rama become king while I am yet alive?” A supreme affection for Rama filled his heart. He wondered, “When will I see my beloved son anointed as king?” For Rama wished for the world’s growth and had compassion for all beings; he was dearer to the people than even the king himself, like the life-giving rain cloud. In strength, Rama was equal to Yama and Indra; in wisdom, to Brihaspati; in steadfastness, to the mountain king; and in virtue, he surpassed even his father. The king thought, “If I could see my son ruling this entire earth in my lifetime, it would be as if I had attained heaven.” Thus, with these and many other rare and immeasurable virtues—difficult to find even in other princes and surpassing all in the world—King Dasharatha, after consulting with his ministers, considered Rama’s installation as crown prince. At that time, the wise king perceived dreadful omens of fear arising in the sky, the atmosphere, and on earth, and he also noticed the signs of old age in his own body. He recognized that great-souled Rama, whose face was like the full moon and who dispelled his sorrows, was beloved by all. For the welfare of himself and his subjects, and at the proper time, that righteous king, with devotion and affection, acted swiftly. He summoned the chiefs from various cities and regions of the land. Adorned and resplendent, the king received them with appropriate honors and gifts, just as the lord of creatures greets his subjects. In his haste, however, he did not summon the ruler of Kekaya or Janaka, knowing they would hear the good news later. When the king, subduer of enemy cities, had taken his seat, the remaining renowned kings entered. After the various seats had been distributed by the king, the assembled kings, observing proper decorum, sat facing him, awaiting his words.