Within the grand assembly hall, King Dasharatha sat resplendent, surrounded by honored and disciplined kings, city-dwellers, and country folk, all having taken their seats. In the midst of this gathering, the king shone with a radiance reminiscent of the thousand-eyed Indra among the immortals. Now begins the second chapter—listen. Having summoned the entire assembly, the lord of the earth, King Dasharatha, spoke words that were well-known, beneficial, and uplifting. Addressing the assembled rulers, his voice carried deep feeling, royal qualities, charm, and an unmatched dignity. “You all know,” he began, “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, 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 difficult 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, is equal to Indra in strength. Him, joined with the 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 Lakshmana, adorned with fortune, is a fitting lord for you; under his lordship, 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. If this plan of mine, well considered and fitting, pleases you, let it be approved by 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 forth greater clarity.” As the king spoke thus, the assembled kings responded with joy, their voices rising like peacocks calling to a great rain-cloud full of rain. A gentle, approving sound filled with happiness arose, echoing among the multitude of people, as if shaking the earth. 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. After considering in their hearts, 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. For we wish to see the mighty-armed, heroic, and powerful Rama, riding a great elephant, his face shaded by a royal parasol.” Hearing these heartfelt words, the king, as if unaware and wishing to know more, asked: “Hearing this statement of yours, 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?” 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. Rama, equal to Indra in divine qualities and steadfast in truth and valor, surpasses all the Ikṣvākus, O lord of the people. Rama is a noble man in the world, 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 the lord of Śacī. 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. The elder brother of Bharata became foremost in Gandharva arts on earth; of noble lineage, virtuous, undistressed in spirit, and of great intellect. He has been trained by distinguished Brahmins, experts in Dharma and Artha; whenever he goes to battle for the sake of a village or city, having gone with Saumitri, he never returns without victory. After coming back from battle, whether on an elephant or in a chariot, he always inquires about the welfare of the citizens as if they were his own kin, regarding their sons, fires, wives, servants, and students. He asks in detail and in order, like a father about his own sons: ‘Do your students serve you? Are you well protected by armor?’” Thus, with reverence and enthusiasm, the assembly praised Rama’s virtues and expressed their longing to see him as their prince, assuring King Dasharatha that their hearts and minds were united in this wish.