The people of Ayodhyā, filled with longing and reverence, approached their king with a heartfelt wish: “We desire to behold mighty-armed Rāma, that heroic and powerful son of yours, riding a great elephant, his face shaded beneath the royal parasol.” Their voices, full of hope, delighted the king. Yet, as if unaware of their deeper intent and wishing to understand their hearts, he gently inquired further. “Your words are pleasing to my heart,” the king said, “but a doubt arises within me. Speak truly: why is it that, though I still rule the earth with righteousness, you wish to see the noble Rāma as crown prince?” The assembly, made up of elders, citizens, and country folk, respectfully replied, “O king, your son possesses many auspicious qualities. Permit us to recount the virtues—dear, delightful, and complete—of your son, who is virtuous, godlike, and wise; listen to them.” They spoke with admiration: “Rāma, equal to Indra in divine qualities, steadfast in truth and valor, surpasses all the Ikṣvākus, O lord. He is a noble soul, devoted to truth and righteousness; indeed, Dharma itself, along with prosperity, seems to have arisen directly from Rāma. In bringing happiness to his subjects, he is like the moon; in patience, he is like the earth; in wisdom, he equals Bṛhaspati; in strength, he is 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 of mind, always worthy, without envy; Rāghava 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. “Skilled in all weapons among gods, demons, and humans, properly initiated in knowledge and vows, and thoroughly versed in the Vedas and their branches, he is the elder brother of Bharata, foremost in the arts, of noble lineage, virtuous, undisturbed in spirit, and of great intellect. Trained by distinguished Brahmins, experts in Dharma and Artha, he goes to battle for the sake of a village or city, and, with Saumitri, never returns without victory, whether on elephant or in chariot. “Rāma always inquires about the welfare of the citizens as if they were his own kin, caring for their sons, fires, wives, servants, and students. He asks in detail and order, like a father about his sons: ‘Do your students serve you? Are you well protected by armor?’ Thus, Rāma, the tiger among men, always addresses you; and when misfortune befalls the people, he is deeply afflicted. In all celebrations, he rejoices like a father; he speaks truth, is a mighty archer, serves elders, and has mastered his senses. “He speaks with a smile, wholly devoted to Dharma, speaking rightly and for the good, never contentious. In answering and questioning, he speaks like Bṛhaspati; with beautiful brows and wide coppery eyes, he is like Viṣṇu himself. Rāma, beloved by the world, 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 never without purpose. “He punishes only those who must be punished, never the innocent; he gives wealth with joy and is pleased where there is righteousness. Rāma shines with virtues—self-controlled, beloved by all people, 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, and 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 a son, like Marīca was 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, their minds focused, worship the gods morning and evening for Rāma’s sake; may their prayers, O king, 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 bestower of boons, you should quickly anoint your son, who is like the lord of gods, devoted to the welfare of all people, and endowed with noble virtues, for our happiness.” The king, deeply moved by their words and their joined hands, spoke to them with warmth and delight. “Ah, I am supremely delighted and my power is unmatched, since you wish my eldest beloved son to be installed as crown prince.” He then proclaimed, “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’s words ended, a great clamor of joy arose among the people. As the excitement gradually settled, the king addressed Vasiṣṭha, the foremost sage: “Whatever is required for Rāma’s consecration, with all its arrangements—today, O venerable one, you should command everything.” Hearing the king’s command, Vasiṣṭha, the best of sages, prepared to fulfill these sacred tasks. Thus begins the third sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa, where the hearts of the people and the will of the king unite in joyful anticipation for Rāma’s consecration.