King Dasharatha, wise and far-seeing, began to perceive ominous signs—dreadful portents of fear manifesting in the sky, in the air, and upon the earth. He also recognized the unmistakable marks of old age in his own body. In this state, the king reflected upon his beloved son Rāma, whose radiant face, gentle as the full moon, dispelled all his sorrows. Rāma, he knew, was cherished by the people everywhere, loved by all the world. Moved by concern for the welfare of his subjects and himself, and recognizing that the proper time had come, the righteous king acted swiftly and with heartfelt devotion. He summoned to his court the chiefs from every city and distant region of his vast realm. When these dignitaries arrived, the king, splendidly adorned and resplendent, received them with all due honors and generous gifts, as the lord of all creatures would welcome his own subjects. Yet, in his haste, King Dasharatha did not summon the ruler of Kekaya nor King Janaka, for he thought they would learn of the good news in due course. Once the king, conqueror of enemy cities, had taken his seat, the renowned kings of the land entered the hall. The king arranged seats for all, and the assembled rulers, observing proper decorum, sat facing him in respectful silence. Surrounded by these honored and disciplined kings, together with city-dwellers and country folk, all respectfully seated, King Dasharatha shone with a brilliance like that of Indra, the thousand-eyed lord among the immortals. Now, with the entire assembly gathered, the king, lord of the earth, addressed them with words that were well-known, uplifting, and beneficial. His voice, full of feeling, regal grace, and unmatched dignity, resounded through the hall as he spoke: “You all know how my excellent kingdom has been protected by my royal ancestors, as one would protect a beloved son. I, too, have always desired to dedicate this world—so well-governed by the kings of the Ikṣvāku lineage—to the pursuit of the highest good and happiness. Following the path set by my forefathers, I have watched over my people tirelessly, ever vigilant and sleepless. “But as I have pursued the welfare of all, I have grown old beneath the shade of the white royal umbrella. Having lived for many thousands of years, my body is now worn and weary. The heavy burden of righteousness, though fitting for a king, is hard to sustain for one who has not mastered his senses, and I long for rest. “Therefore, after consulting these eminent Brahmins who are gathered here, I wish to retire and install my son as heir, for the good of the people. My son, Rāma, who surpasses me in every virtue and is equal to Indra in strength—he, joined with the constellation Puṣya like the moon, foremost among upholders of righteousness, and best among men—I intend to appoint as crown prince tomorrow morning. “He, the elder brother of Lakṣmaṇa, blessed with fortune, is truly worthy to be your lord. Under his rule, even the three worlds would be well protected. By this excellent act, I shall unite the 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 of you. Or, if you see another beneficial course, speak freely, for impartial discussion brings clarity.” When the king had spoken, the assembled rulers responded with delight, their voices rising in joy like peacocks calling to a rain-laden cloud. A gentle, approving sound filled the hall, echoing among the multitude, as if the earth itself trembled with happiness. The Brahmins, chiefs of the army, citizens, and country folk, all understanding the king’s intent, gathered their thoughts and spoke with unified minds to the venerable Dasharatha: “O king, you are advanced in years, having passed many thousands of years. Therefore, anoint Rāma as crown prince, O lord of the earth. We long to see mighty-armed, heroic, and powerful Rāma, riding a great elephant, his face shaded by the royal parasol.” Hearing their words, which pleased his heart, the king, as if seeking further assurance, spoke again: “Hearing your wish that Rāma be your lord, I have this doubt. Why do you desire to see the mighty prince installed as crown prince while I still rule the earth righteously? Tell me the truth.” The assembled elders, citizens, and country folk replied: “O king, your son possesses many auspicious qualities. We shall now recount all the virtues of your son—dear, delightful, and complete—who is virtuous, godlike, and wise; listen to them. “Rāma is equal to Indra in divine qualities, steadfast in truth and valor, and surpasses all the Ikṣvākus. He is a noble man, devoted to truth and righteousness; indeed, Dharma itself and prosperity seem to have arisen from him. In bringing happiness to his subjects, he is like the moon; in patience, like the earth; in wisdom, equal to Bṛhaspati; and in strength, like Indra himself. “He knows Dharma, is true to his word, virtuous, free from malice, patient, gentle in speech, grateful, and master of his senses.” Thus, in the presence of all, the virtues of Rāma were extolled, and the path was set for his anointment as crown prince, with the hearts of the people and the king united in joy and hope.