Rama, the beloved prince, excelled in gathering and supporting the virtuous, skillfully assigning positions and maintaining discipline among his people. He understood well the means of acquiring wealth, as well as the proper ways to spend and utilize it. In all branches of weaponry—whether pure or composite—he stood supreme, upholding both righteousness and prosperity, always seeking the happiness of others and never succumbing to laziness. His mastery extended to the practical arts and crafts, and he was adept in the training and management of elephants and horses. Among those who knew the science of archery, he was preeminent, renowned as a mighty chariot-warrior. He was skilled in launching attacks, engaging in combat, and arranging armies for battle. In the field of war, he was invincible—even the enraged gods and demons could not withstand him. Free from envy, he had conquered anger, and he was neither arrogant nor jealous. No being could look down upon him, nor was he subject to the ravages of time. Thus, Rama, the king’s son, was endowed with the highest virtues. His forbearance was praised throughout the three worlds, equal to the earth itself. In wisdom, he was like Brihaspati, and in strength, like Indra himself. Possessing virtues beloved by all and pleasing to his father, Rama shone radiantly, like the sun with its brilliant rays. Such were his conduct and prowess—unconquerable, like a lord of the world—that even the earth herself longed for him as her protector. Witnessing these innumerable and unparalleled virtues in his son, King Dasharatha, the mighty vanquisher of foes, became lost in deep thought. In his old age and after a long life, the king wondered how he might see Rama crowned as king while he himself still lived. A supreme affection for Rama filled Dasharatha’s heart, and he constantly cherished the thought: “When shall I see my beloved son anointed as king?” For Rama wished for the prosperity of the world and showed compassion to all beings; he was dearer to the people than even Dasharatha himself, like a rain-bringing cloud is to the earth. 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 own father. The king thought, “If I could see my son ruling this entire earth at this age, it would be as if I had attained heaven.” Endowed with such rare and immeasurable virtues—difficult to find even in other princes and surpassing those of the world—Rama inspired Dasharatha to consult his ministers about installing him as crown prince. But as the king pondered this, he noticed fearful omens in the sky, in the atmosphere, and on the earth, as well as signs of old age in his own body. He also recognized that Rama—whose face was like the full moon and who dispelled his sorrows—was beloved by all the people. For the welfare of himself and his subjects, and at the proper time, the righteous king, filled with devotion and affection, resolved to act swiftly. He summoned the chiefs from various cities and regions across the land. Adorned and resplendent, Dasharatha welcomed them with due honors and gifts, just as the lord of all creatures welcomes his subjects. In his haste, however, he did not summon the ruler of Kekaya or Janaka, for they would hear the joyous news later. Once the king, 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 honored and disciplined kings, city-dwellers, and country folk who had all taken their places, Dasharatha shone like Indra, the thousand-eyed lord among the immortals. With the entire assembly gathered, the lord of the earth spoke words that were well-known, beneficial, and uplifting. Addressing the assembled rulers with a voice full of feeling, marked by royal dignity and charm, he began: “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—well-governed by the kings of the Ikshvaku line—to the pursuit of the highest good and happiness. “Following the path set by my forefathers, I have always protected my people to the best of my ability, ever vigilant and sleepless. While working for the welfare of the whole 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, 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. “Therefore, I wish to rest, having installed my son for the welfare of the people, after consulting all these eminent Brahmins who are gathered here. My son, who surpasses me in every virtue, has been born—Rama, conqueror of enemy cities, equal to Indra in strength. He, joined with the constellation Pushya like the moon, foremost among upholders of righteousness and best among men, I shall appoint as crown prince tomorrow morning. “He, the elder brother of Lakshmana, adorned with fortune, is a fitting lord for you—under whose rule even the three worlds would be better protected. By this excellent act, I shall at once unite this earth with prosperity, and, having entrusted it to my son, I shall become free from toil.” Thus, King Dasharatha, filled with love and wisdom, prepared to bestow the kingdom upon Rama, so that righteousness and happiness might flourish in the world.