There was a prince in Ayodhyā, known to all for his deep understanding of Dharma, unwavering truthfulness, and noble character. He was free from malice, patient in adversity, gentle in his words, and always grateful. Master of his senses, he was ever composed, never swayed by envy, and steadfast in his resolve. Rāghava, as he was called, spoke kindly to all beings and never uttered a falsehood. Rāma devoted himself to serving learned elders and Brahmins, and through this service, his fame, honor, and brilliance grew beyond compare. He was skilled in every weapon known among gods, demons, and humans, initiated properly in sacred knowledge and vows, and thoroughly versed in the Vedas and all their branches. As the elder brother of Bharata, he surpassed all others in the arts of the Gandharvas here on earth. Of noble lineage and virtue, his mind remained ever undistressed, and he possessed great intellect. Distinguished Brahmins, experts in Dharma and Artha, had trained him well. Whenever he went to battle for the sake of a village or city, he would depart with Saumitri at his side and never return without victory. Whether he came back riding an elephant or in a chariot, his triumph was assured. Rāma cared for his people as if they were his own kin. He would inquire personally about the well-being of the citizens—their sons, sacred fires, wives, servants, and students. Like a loving father, he asked them in detail: “Are your students serving you well? Are you protected by armor?” In this way, Rāma, the tiger among men, always addressed his people, sharing in their sorrows and rejoicing in their happiness as a father would with his children. He was truthful, a mighty archer, ever respectful to elders, and master of his senses. He spoke with a gentle smile, wholly devoted to Dharma, always speaking rightly and for the good, never indulging in contentious words. In conversation, whether answering or questioning, his speech resembled that of Bṛhaspati. With beautiful brows and wide, coppery eyes, he shone like Viṣṇu himself. Beloved by the world, Rāma excelled in courage, strength, and valor. He was devoted to the protection of his people, never allowing his senses to be overcome by passion. So great was his capacity that he could enjoy the three worlds—how much more this earth alone! His anger and favor were always purposeful, never arbitrary. He punished the guilty but never became angry at the innocent. He gave wealth joyfully and was pleased wherever righteousness was found. Rāma’s virtues radiated from him—self-controlled, beloved by all, and a source of joy, like the sun shining with its rays. The very earth herself longed for Rāma, steadfast in truth and valor, a protector in the likeness of the guardians of the world. Fortunate indeed was the one blessed with such a son, a Rāghava endowed with every noble quality, like Marīca was to Kaśyapa. Rāma’s strength, health, and life were renowned among gods, asuras, humans, gandharvas, and serpents alike. All the people—within the city and beyond, throughout the kingdom and the capital—placed their hopes in him. Women, elders, and young maidens, with focused minds, worshipped the gods morning and evening for Rāma’s sake, praying that their wishes might be fulfilled by divine grace. They longed to see Rāma, dark as a blue lotus and destroyer of all enemies, established as the crown prince—your excellent son, O king. O bestower of boons, they implored the king to quickly anoint his son, who was like the lord of the gods, devoted to the welfare of all, and endowed with every virtue, for the happiness of the people. Now, listen to the third sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, in the Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. The king, having received the respectful salutations of his subjects, spoke to them words both pleasing and beneficial. “Ah,” he declared, “I am supremely delighted and my power is unmatched, since you wish my eldest beloved son to be installed as crown prince.” He continued, “This auspicious month of Caitra has arrived, holy and adorned with blossoming groves; let all preparations be made for Rāma’s installation as crown prince.” As soon as the king finished speaking, a great clamor of joy rose among the people. When the excitement gradually subsided, the king turned to Vasiṣṭha, the foremost sage, and said, “Whatever is required for Rāma’s consecration, with all its arrangements—today, O venerable one, you should command everything.” Hearing these words, Vasiṣṭha, best of sages, instructed those standing before the king, hands joined in reverence, to bring gold and other jewels, tributes, and all the necessary medicinal herbs. He ordered white garlands, parched grains, honey and clarified butter, unworn garments, a chariot, and all kinds of weapons to be gathered. The fourfold army was to be prepared, along with an elephant of auspicious marks, both fly-whisks, the white umbrella, and the royal banner. A hundred golden water jars were to be readied, as well as a bull with golden horns and a complete tiger skin. Vasiṣṭha commanded that whatever else was desirable should also be arranged, and that everything should be presented at dawn in the king’s fire-chamber. The gates of the inner palace and the entire city were to 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. The foremost Brahmins were to be honored, and ghee, curds, parched grains, and abundant gifts were to be given to them the next morning. Vasiṣṭha further directed that as soon as the sun rose, the auspicious rites should be performed, the Brahmins invited, and seats arranged for them. Thus, preparations began for the sacred installation of Rāma, beloved of all, as crown prince of Ayodhyā.