Thus, endowed with countless rare and immeasurable virtues—qualities difficult to find even among other princes and surpassing those known in the world—Rāma shone forth. Observing all these virtues in his beloved son, King Daśaratha, after careful consultation with his ministers, began to consider the installation of Rāma as the crown prince. But just as these auspicious plans took shape in his mind, the wise king began to notice dreadful omens—signs of fear and unrest appearing in the sky, in the atmosphere, and upon the earth itself. He also became aware of the signs of old age upon his own body. At the same time, he saw clearly that Rāma, the great-souled one whose face was radiant like the full moon and who dispelled all his sorrows, was dearly loved by all the people of the world. For the welfare of both himself and his subjects, and recognizing that the proper time had come, the righteous king, filled with devotion and affection, resolved to act swiftly. He summoned the chiefs from all the cities and distinct regions of his vast realm. When they arrived, Daśaratha, resplendent and adorned, greeted them with due honor and generous gifts, just as the Lord of creatures would welcome his subjects. In his haste, however, the king did not summon the ruler of Kekaya or Janaka, knowing that they would hear the joyful news in due course. When Daśaratha, the subduer of enemy cities, had taken his seat of authority, the remaining renowned kings entered the assembly. Once the king had distributed the various seats, all the assembled rulers, observing proper decorum, sat facing him. Thus surrounded by honored and disciplined kings, as well as the city-dwellers and country folk who had gathered and taken their seats, King Daśaratha shone with splendor—like the thousand-eyed Indra among the immortals. Now begins the second chapter. Listen. Having summoned the entire assembly, 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 qualities, charm, and unmatched dignity, he said, “You all know how this excellent kingdom of mine was protected by my royal ancestors, as one would protect a beloved son. I, too, wish to dedicate this entire world—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. Yet, while seeking the welfare of the whole world, I have grown old beneath the shade of the white royal umbrella. Having lived for many thousands of years, now that my body is worn out, I desire rest. I am weary from bearing the heavy burden of righteousness—a burden fitting for kings, but hard to sustain for those who have not mastered their senses. “Therefore, after consulting these eminent Brahmins gathered here, I wish to rest, having installed my son for the welfare of the people. For my son, who surpasses me in every virtue, has been born; Rāma, the conqueror of enemy cities, is equal to Indra in strength. He, united with the auspicious constellation Puṣya 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 Lakṣmaṇa, adorned with fortune, is a fitting lord for you—under his 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 be free from toil. If this plan of mine, well considered and fitting, pleases you, let it be approved by all; or else, tell me how I should act. Even if this is my desire, let some other beneficial course be considered—for impartial deliberation in the midst of discussion brings greater clarity.” As the king spoke thus, the delighted kings responded with joy, like peacocks calling to a great raincloud full of rain. Then a gentle, approving sound arose—filled with joy and echoing among the multitude of people, as if it shook the earth itself. Understanding the king’s intent, the Brahmins and chiefs of the army, together with the citizens and country folk, gathered with unified minds to deliberate. Having considered in their hearts, they spoke to the aged King Daśaratha: “O king, you are advanced in years, having passed many thousands of years; therefore, anoint Rāma as crown prince, O ruler of the earth. For we wish to see the mighty-armed, heroic, and powerful Rāma, riding a great elephant, his face shaded by the royal parasol.” Hearing these words, which were pleasing to their hearts, the king, as if unaware and wishing to know more, spoke further: “Hearing your statement, that you desire Rāghava as your lord, I, the king, have this doubt; therefore, speak the truth about it. Why is it that, while I still rule the earth righteously, you wish to see the mighty prince as crown prince?” Then those great souls, together with the citizens and country folk, replied, “O king, your son possesses many auspicious qualities. O lord, we shall now recount all the virtues—dear, delightful, and complete—of your son, who is virtuous, godlike, and wise; listen to them. Rāma, equal to Indra in divine qualities and steadfast in truth and valor, surpasses all the Ikṣvākus, O lord of the people. Rāma is a noble man in the world, devoted to truth and righteousness; indeed, Dharma itself, along with prosperity, has arisen directly from Rāma.