Born of noble lineage, Rama was a prince whose virtues shone brightly. He was never distressed, always truthful and upright, and had been carefully trained by elders and wise, twice-born teachers who understood the ways of dharma and wealth. Rama possessed a deep understanding of the essence of righteousness, desire, and prosperity. Gifted with keen memory and intelligence, he was skilled in worldly customs and expert in proper conduct. He was quiet and reserved in his demeanor, secretive in counsel, and always supported by loyal companions. His anger and joy were never wasted, as he mastered the art of restraint and knew the right moment for renunciation. Rama’s devotion was unwavering, his wisdom steady. He neither accepted falsehood nor spoke harshly, and he was tireless, vigilant, and ever aware of his own faults as well as those of others. Learned in the scriptures, Rama was grateful and discerning of human nature. He knew when to exercise restraint and when to grant favor, always acting justly and wisely. He excelled in gathering and supporting the virtuous, assigning positions, and imposing discipline. He understood the means of acquiring wealth and was mindful of expenditures and their proper uses. Rama had attained mastery in all branches of weaponry, both pure and composite. He upheld both wealth and righteousness, pursued happiness, and was never indolent. He understood the divisions of practical arts and crafts, and was skilled in training and managing elephants and horses. Among those who knew the science of archery, Rama was foremost, esteemed as a great chariot-warrior. He was adept in attack, combat, and the arrangement of armies. Invincible in battle, even to the enraged gods and demons, Rama was free from envy, had conquered anger, and was neither arrogant nor jealous. No being could despise him, nor was he subject to the sway of time. Thus, endowed with the highest virtues, Rama, the prince and son of the king, stood supreme. He was esteemed in all three worlds for his forbearance, equal to the earth itself. In wisdom, he was like Brihaspati, and in strength, like Indra. With virtues beloved by all and pleasing to his father, Rama shone forth, radiant like the sun with its rays. His conduct and prowess were unconquerable, like a lord of the world, and the earth herself desired him as her protector. Observing his son endowed with these incomparable virtues, King Dasharatha, the scorcher of foes, was filled with deep thought. In his old age, after a long life, the king wondered how Rama might become king while he himself was still alive. Supreme affection for Rama constantly filled his heart, and he longed to see his beloved son anointed as king. Rama desired the growth of the world and had compassion for all beings. He was dearer to the people than Dasharatha himself, like a rain-bringing 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. Dasharatha thought that if he could see his son ruling the earth at this age, it would be as if he had attained heaven. With these and many other rare and immeasurable virtues, difficult to find even among other princes and surpassing those of the world, Dasharatha, after consulting with his ministers, considered installing Rama as crown prince. However, the wise king perceived dreadful omens of fear arising in the sky, atmosphere, and earth, and also noticed signs of old age in his own body. He understood that the great-souled Rama, whose face was like the full moon and who dispelled his sorrow, was beloved by all people. For the welfare of himself and his subjects, and at the proper time, the righteous king acted swiftly with devotion and affection. Dasharatha summoned the chiefs from various cities and regions of the land. Adorned and resplendent, he received them with appropriate honors and gifts, just as the lord of creatures greets his subjects. In his haste, he did not summon the rulers of Kekaya or Janaka, knowing they would hear the good news later. When Dasharatha, the subduer of enemy cities, had taken his seat, the remaining renowned kings entered. After distributing seats, the assembled kings sat facing him with proper decorum. Surrounded by honored and disciplined kings, city-dwellers, and country folk, Dasharatha shone like the thousand-eyed Lord Indra among the immortals. Now, listen to the second sarga. Having summoned the entire assembly, Dasharatha, lord of the earth, spoke well-known words, beneficial and uplifting. With a voice full of feeling, marked by royal qualities, charm, and matchless dignity, he addressed the assembled rulers. “You all know how this excellent kingdom of mine was protected by my royal ancestors, as one would protect a son. I, too, wish to dedicate this entire world, which has been well-governed by all the kings of the Ikṣvāku line, to the pursuit of the highest good and happiness. Following the path set by my predecessors, I have always protected my people to the best of my ability, ever vigilant and sleepless. While pursuing the welfare of the entire world, I have grown old under the shade of the white royal umbrella. Having lived for many thousands of years, and now that this body is worn out, I desire rest. I am weary from bearing the heavy burden of righteousness, which, though fitting for kings, is hard to sustain for those who have not mastered their senses.” Thus, King Dasharatha, moved by love for his son and concern for his people, prepared to hand over the kingdom to Rama, whose virtues and wisdom were unmatched, and whose presence promised the continued prosperity and happiness of the realm.