Rama, the beloved prince, was a man of extraordinary character and virtue. He made it his practice to seek the company and counsel of elders—those who were not only advanced in years but also in wisdom and noble conduct, even among the most skilled warriors. In every conversation, Rama was wise and gentle, always the first to speak, his words pleasant and powerful, yet he never allowed his own great strength to amaze or inflate him. He was unwaveringly truthful, deeply learned, and showed the utmost respect to his elders. The people cherished him, and he returned their affection wholeheartedly. Compassion flowed naturally from him; he was a master of his own anger, honored the brāhmaṇas, and extended mercy to those in distress. Well-versed in dharma, Rama was always self-controlled and pure in mind and deed. Born of a noble lineage, Rama held the kṣatriya’s sacred duty in the highest esteem, cherishing both its responsibilities and its heavenly rewards. He did not take pleasure in anything inauspicious or in harsh, discordant speech. His words were always thoughtfully chosen, perfectly reasoned, and delivered with the skill of a master orator. Rama was the very picture of health and youth, eloquence and beauty. He knew the right time and place for every action, and among men he stood out as the very best, singular in his virtue. Endowed with the highest qualities, Rama was as dear to the people as the vital breath itself. He had immersed himself in all disciplines and vows, and his knowledge of the Vedas and their branches was complete. In archery, he even surpassed his own father. Nobly born and virtuous, Rama was never troubled by adversity. He was truthful, upright, and well-trained by elders and learned men, the twice-born who understood dharma and the ways of the world. He knew the essence of righteousness, desire, and wealth, and his memory and intelligence were exceptional. Rama was skilled in worldly customs and expert in proper conduct. Outwardly quiet and reserved, he kept his counsel secret, supported by loyal companions. He never wasted anger or joy, always knowing the right time for restraint and renunciation. Steadfast in his devotion and wisdom, Rama never accepted falsehood, nor did he speak harshly. Tireless and vigilant, he was ever aware of both his own and others’ faults. Learned in the scriptures, grateful, and discerning of people’s true natures, Rama was skilled in both restraint and generosity, acting always with justice and wisdom. He excelled in gathering and supporting the virtuous, knew how to assign positions and maintain discipline, and understood the means of acquiring and properly using wealth. In every branch of weaponry, both simple and complex, Rama had achieved mastery. He upheld both righteousness and prosperity, pursued happiness, and was never idle. His knowledge extended to all practical arts and crafts, and he was skilled in the training and management of elephants and horses. Foremost among those who knew the science of archery, Rama was acclaimed as a mighty chariot-warrior, adept in attack, combat, and the arrangement of armies. In battle, he was invincible—even the enraged gods and demons could not defeat him. He was free from envy, had conquered anger, and was never arrogant or jealous. No being could look down upon him, nor was he subject to the sway of time. Thus endowed with the highest virtues, Rama, the prince and son of the king, was esteemed throughout the 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 all these virtues, beloved by the people and pleasing to his father, Rama shone forth, radiant as the sun with its rays. His conduct and prowess were unconquerable, befitting a lord of the world, and the earth herself longed for him as her protector. King Dasharatha, the mighty subduer of foes, beheld his son endowed with these countless, incomparable virtues, and his heart was filled with deep contemplation. In the twilight of his years, the king wondered how Rama might become king while he himself was still alive. Supreme affection for Rama constantly filled his heart, and he yearned for the day when he would see his beloved son anointed as king. For Rama desired the welfare of the world and had compassion for all beings. He was dearer to the people than even the king himself, like the rain-bringing cloud that is cherished by all. In strength, he was equal to Yama and Indra; in wisdom, to Brihaspati; in steadfastness, to the mountain king; and in virtue, he surpassed even his own father. The king thought, “If I could see my son ruling this entire earth during 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 among other princes and surpassing those of the world—Rama was the pride of the kingdom. Seeing him thus endowed, King Dasharatha, after consulting with his ministers, decided to proceed with Rama’s installation as crown prince. Yet, as the wise king made his preparations, he perceived dreadful omens of fear arising in the sky, in the atmosphere, and on earth, and he noticed the signs of old age in his own body. Still, he recognized that the great-souled Rama, whose face shone like the full moon and who dispelled all his sorrows, was beloved by people everywhere. For the welfare of himself and his subjects, and at the proper time, the righteous king acted swiftly, moved by devotion and affection. He summoned the chiefs from various cities and regions of the land. The king, adorned and resplendent, received them with the proper honors and gifts, just as the lord of creatures welcomes his subjects. In his haste, however, he did not summon the ruler of Kekaya or Janaka, knowing they would hear the good news later. Once the king, the subduer of enemy cities, had taken his seat, the remaining renowned kings entered. After the king had distributed the various seats, the assembled kings, observing proper decorum, sat facing him. Surrounded by these honored and disciplined kings, city-dwellers, and country folk, all seated in their proper places, King Dasharatha shone like Indra, the thousand-eyed Lord, among the immortals.