The lord of the earth, King Dasharatha, resolved to gather the chiefs from the cities and regions throughout his realm. With regal splendor, adorned and radiant, he welcomed them with fitting honors and gifts, much as the lord of creatures graciously greets his subjects. Yet, in his urgency, Dasharatha did not summon the rulers of Kekaya or Janaka, knowing they would hear of the auspicious news later. Once Dasharatha, conqueror of enemy cities, had taken his seat, the renowned kings who remained entered the hall. The king distributed seats to each, and the assembled rulers, observing proper decorum, sat facing him. Surrounded by honored and disciplined kings, city-dwellers, and country folk who had also taken their places, Dasharatha shone among them like the thousand-eyed Indra among the immortals. With the entire assembly gathered, Dasharatha addressed them with words that were well-known, beneficial, and uplifting. His voice was full of feeling, marked by royal qualities, charm, and unmatched dignity. He spoke: “You all know how this excellent kingdom of mine was protected by my royal ancestors, as one would guard a beloved son. I, too, wish to dedicate this world—well-governed by 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, never sleeping. “While pursuing 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, 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. 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. “For my son, who is superior to me in every virtue, has been born—Rama, conqueror of enemy cities, equal to Indra in strength. Joined with the constellation Puṣya like the moon, foremost among upholders of righteousness and best among men, I shall appoint him as crown prince tomorrow morning. He, the elder brother of Lakshmana, 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 unite this earth with prosperity, and, having entrusted it to my son, I shall become free from toil. “If this plan of mine, well considered and fitting, pleases you, let it be approved by you all; or tell me how else 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 Dasharatha spoke, the delighted kings responded with joy, like peacocks calling to a rain-cloud full of water. A gentle, approving sound arose among the multitude, echoing with joy and seeming to shake the earth. Understanding the king’s intent, the Brahmins and chiefs of the army, along with the citizens and country folk, gathered with unified minds to deliberate. Having considered deeply, they spoke to the aged king Dasharatha: “O king, you are advanced in years, having passed many thousands of years; therefore, anoint Rama as crown prince, O ruler of the earth. “We wish to see the mighty-armed, heroic, and powerful Rama, riding a great elephant, his face shaded by a royal parasol.” Hearing these words, which pleased their hearts, Dasharatha, as if unaware and wishing to know more, asked: “Hearing your statement that you desire Raghava 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?” The great souls, together with the citizens and country folk, replied, “O king, your son possesses many auspicious qualities. We shall now recount all the virtues—dear, delightful, and complete—of your son, who is virtuous, godlike, and wise; listen to them. “Rama, equal to Indra in divine qualities and steadfast in truth and valor, surpasses all the Ikṣvākus, O lord of the people. He is noble, devoted to truth and righteousness; indeed, Dharma itself, along with prosperity, has arisen directly from Rama. 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. “He knows Dharma, is true to his word, virtuous, free from malice, patient, gentle in speech, grateful, and master of his senses. He is gentle, steadfast in mind, always worthy, without envy; Raghava speaks kindly to all beings and speaks only the truth. He serves learned elders and Brahmins; thus, his unmatched fame, honor, and brilliance grow ever greater. He is skilled in all weapons among gods, demons, and humans; properly initiated in knowledge and vows, and thoroughly versed in the Vedas with their branches.” Thus, the assembly praised Rama’s virtues, expressing their unanimous desire to see him as their crown prince, and their hearts rejoiced at the king’s wise and noble intention.