In the city of Ayodhyā, the virtues of Rāma, son of Daśaratha, shone like a beacon for all. In bringing happiness to his subjects, he resembled the cooling, gentle moon; in patience, he was as steadfast as the earth itself. His wisdom rivaled that of Bṛhaspati, and in strength he was the equal of Indra, the lord of Śacī. Rāma was deeply learned in Dharma, ever true to his word, virtuous, and free from malice. He was patient, gentle in speech, grateful, and a master of his senses. His nature was gentle, his mind unwavering, and he was always worthy of respect. Without envy, Rāghava spoke kindly to all beings and never uttered a falsehood. He served learned elders and Brahmins with devotion, and thereby his fame, honor, and brilliance grew ever greater. Skilled in all weapons known among gods, demons, and humans, he had been properly initiated in sacred knowledge and vows, and was thoroughly versed in the Vedas and their branches. The elder brother of Bharata, Rāma had become foremost in the Gandharva arts on earth. Born of noble lineage, virtuous, untroubled in spirit, and endowed with great intellect, he had been trained by distinguished Brahmins, experts in Dharma and Artha. Whenever he went to battle for the sake of a village or city, accompanied by Saumitri (Lakṣmaṇa), he never returned without victory, riding back upon an elephant or in a chariot. Rāma cared for the people as he would for his own family, inquiring with genuine concern about their sons, their sacred fires, their wives, servants, and students. He asked in detail and in proper order, just as a loving father would: “Do your students serve you well? Are you protected by armor?” In this way, Rāma, the tiger among men, always addressed his people, and when misfortune befell anyone, he was deeply afflicted. At times of celebration, he rejoiced as a father would. He spoke only the truth, was a mighty archer, served his elders, and had mastery over his senses. With a gentle smile, he was wholly devoted to Dharma, always speaking rightly and for the good, and had no taste for contentious words. In answering and questioning, Rāma spoke with the wisdom of Bṛhaspati. His beautiful brows and wide, coppery eyes made him resemble Viṣṇu himself. Beloved by the world, he excelled in courage, strength, and valor, ever devoted to protecting the people, never overcome by passion. He was capable, it was said, of enjoying the three worlds—what, then, of this earth? His anger and favor were never without purpose. He punished those who needed punishment, yet never grew angry with the innocent. He gave wealth with joy and was pleased wherever righteousness prevailed. Rāma shone with virtues—self-controlled, beloved by all, and a source of joy, like the radiant sun with its rays. The earth herself longed for Rāma, so steadfast in truth and valor, a protector like the guardians of the world. “O child,” people would say to King Daśaratha, “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, just as Marīca was to Kaśyapa.” The strength, health, and life of Rāma, who knew his own self, were renowned among gods, asuras, humans, gandharvas, and serpents. All people, within the city and outside, in the kingdom and the capital, placed their hopes in him. Women, elders, and young maidens, their minds focused, worshipped the gods morning and evening for Rāma’s sake, praying that their wishes might be fulfilled by divine grace. “May we see Rāma, dark as a blue lotus and destroyer of all enemies, established as the crown prince, your excellent son, O king,” they prayed. “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.” Now, hear the third sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. The king, Daśaratha, having received the people’s salutations, their hands joined like lotus buds, spoke to them words that were pleasing and beneficial. “Ah,” he said, “I am supremely delighted, and my power is unmatched, since you wish my eldest beloved son to be installed as crown prince.” “The 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 noise gradually subsided, the king spoke to 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 words, Vasiṣṭha, the best of sages, ordered those who stood before the king, their hands joined in reverence, to bring forth gold and other jewels, tributes, and all medicinal herbs. He instructed them to gather white garlands, parched grains, honey and clarified butter, unworn garments, a chariot, and all kinds of weapons as well. He commanded that the fourfold army be prepared, along with an elephant of auspicious marks, both fly-whisks, the white umbrella, and the banner. A hundred golden water jars were to be brought, along with a bull with golden horns and a complete tiger skin. “And whatever else is desirable,” he said, “let all that be arranged. Present everything at dawn in the king’s fire-chamber.” He further ordered that the gates of the inner palace and the whole city be adorned with sandalwood garlands and fragrant incense. Excellent, wholesome food with curds and milk as condiments was to be provided in abundance for hundreds of thousands of Brahmins, as much as they desired. Having honored the foremost Brahmins, let ghee, curds, parched grains, and abundant gifts be given to them on the morrow. Thus, with joy and reverence, the preparations for Rāma’s consecration as crown prince began, filling Ayodhyā with hope and happiness.