The elders and ministers of Ayodhyā, seeing that King Daśaratha had grown advanced in years, respectfully approached him and spoke: “O King, ruler of the earth, you have lived for many thousands of years and your age is now great. Therefore, we pray, let Rāma be anointed as crown prince.” Their hearts were set on this wish, and they continued, “We long to behold the mighty-armed, heroic, and powerful Rāma riding a majestic elephant, his face shaded by the royal white parasol, the very image of kingship.” Hearing these words, which delighted the hearts of his subjects, the king, concealing his own feelings and wishing to understand their minds further, addressed them: “You have expressed your desire that Rāghava, my son, become your lord. Yet, while I rule the earth righteously, I wonder—why do you wish to see the mighty prince installed as crown prince? Speak truly and tell me your reasons.” Then, the great souls among the citizens and country folk replied together, “O King, your son Rāma possesses countless auspicious qualities. Allow us to recount to you all the virtues—dear, delightful, and complete—of your son, who is virtuous, godlike, and wise. Listen as we speak of him. “Rāma is equal to Indra in divine qualities, steadfast in truth and valor, and surpasses all the Ikṣvākus before him, O lord of men. He is noble, devoted to truth and righteousness; indeed, Dharma itself and prosperity seem to have arisen from Rāma. In bringing happiness to his subjects, he is like the moon; in patience, like the earth; in wisdom, he is the equal of Bṛhaspati; in strength, like the lord of Śacī. “He knows Dharma, is always true to his word, virtuous, free from malice, patient, gentle in speech, grateful, and master of his senses. Gentle and steadfast in mind, always worthy and without envy, Rāghava speaks kindly to all and utters only the truth. “He serves learned elders and Brahmins, and thus his unmatched fame, honor, and brilliance only grow. Skilled in all weapons known among gods, demons, and humans, properly initiated in knowledge and vows, he is thoroughly versed in the Vedas and their branches. The elder brother of Bharata, he is foremost in the arts, of noble lineage, virtuous, undisturbed in spirit, and of great intellect. “Trained by distinguished Brahmins, experts in Dharma and Artha, whenever he goes to battle for the sake of a village or city, he never returns without victory, whether accompanied by Saumitri or returning on an elephant or in a chariot. He always inquires about the welfare of the citizens as if they were his own kin—about their sons, fires, wives, servants, and students. He asks in detail, like a father about his sons: ‘Do your students serve you? Are you well protected by armor?’ “Thus does Rāma, tiger among men, always address you. He is deeply afflicted by the misfortunes of the people and rejoices in their celebrations as a father would. He speaks the truth, is a mighty archer, serves elders, and has mastered his senses. With a gentle smile, wholly devoted to Dharma, he speaks only what is right and beneficial, never contentious. “In answering or questioning, his words are like those of Bṛhaspati. With beautiful brows and wide coppery eyes, he is like Viṣṇu himself. Beloved by the world, Rāma excels in courage, strength, and valor. Devoted to protecting the people, his senses are never overcome by passion. He is capable even of enjoying the three worlds—what then of this earth? His anger and favor are always purposeful. “He punishes the guilty but never grows angry with the innocent. He gives wealth with joy and is pleased where there is righteousness. Rāma shines with virtues—self-controlled, beloved by all, and a source of joy, like the radiant sun with its rays. The earth herself desires Rāma, endowed with such qualities, steadfast in truth and valor, a protector like the guardians of the world. “O King, you are blessed with a son who excels in virtue. By great fortune, this Rāghava is yours, endowed with all the qualities of an ideal son, like Marīca to Kaśyapa. The strength, health, and life of Rāma, who knows himself, are renowned among gods, asuras, humans, gandharvas, and serpents. All the people, both within the city and outside, in the kingdom and the capital, place their hopes in him. “Women, elders, and young maidens, with focused minds, worship the gods morning and evening for Rāma’s sake. May their prayer, O lord, be fulfilled by your grace. May we see Rāma, dark as a blue lotus and destroyer of all enemies, established as crown prince—your excellent son, O King. “O bestower of boons, for our happiness, you should quickly anoint your son, who is like the lord of gods, devoted to the welfare of all, and endowed with noble virtues.” Now begins the third sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. The king, having received the joined palms of his subjects, spoke words that were pleasing and beneficial: “Ah, I am supremely delighted, and my power is unmatched, since you wish my eldest and beloved son to be installed as crown prince. “This auspicious month of Caitra has come, holy and with blossoming groves. Let everything be prepared for Rāma’s installation as crown prince.” When the king finished speaking, a great clamor of joy arose among the people. As the noise gradually subsided, the king turned to Vasiṣṭha, the foremost sage, and said, “Whatever is required for Rāma’s consecration, with all its arrangements—let it be prepared.