Rāma, the illustrious son of King Daśaratha, stood as a paragon of virtue among men. Gentle in nature and steadfast in mind, he was always worthy of honor, free from envy, and spoke with kindness to all beings, uttering only the truth. His devotion to the learned, especially elders and Brahmins, caused his fame, honor, and brilliance to shine ever brighter throughout the land. He was unmatched in skill with all weapons known among gods, demons, and humans, having been properly initiated in sacred knowledge and vows, and thoroughly versed in the Vedas and their branches. The elder brother of Bharata, Rāma excelled in the arts celebrated by the Gandharvas on earth. Of noble lineage and great intellect, he remained untroubled in spirit and was ever virtuous. Distinguished Brahmins, experts in Dharma and Artha, had trained him well. Whenever Rāma went to battle for the protection of a village or city, accompanied by Saumitri, he would never return without victory, whether riding an elephant or a chariot. Upon his return, he would always inquire about the welfare of the citizens as if they were his own kin, showing concern for their sons, sacred fires, wives, servants, and students. He asked about their well-being in detail and in proper order, just as a loving father would ask about his own sons: “Are your students respectful? Are you well protected by armor?” In this way, Rāma, the tiger among men, always addressed the people, and when they suffered misfortune, he was deeply afflicted. In their celebrations, he rejoiced as a father would. He was ever truthful, a mighty archer, devoted to serving elders, and master of his senses. Rāma spoke with a gentle smile, wholly devoted to Dharma, his words always right and for the good of others, never indulging in contentious speech. In answering and questioning, he spoke with the wisdom of Bṛhaspati; his brows were beautiful, his eyes wide and coppery, and he shone like Viṣṇu himself. Beloved by the world, Rāma excelled in courage, strength, and valor, ever devoted to the protection of his people, his senses never swayed by passion. He was so capable that he could enjoy the three worlds—what then of this earth? His anger and favor were always just, never misplaced. He punished only those who deserved it and never grew angry with the innocent. He gave wealth with joy and was pleased wherever righteousness was found. Rāma shone with virtues, self-controlled, beloved by all, and a source of joy, radiant as the sun with its rays. The earth herself desired Rāma, so steadfast in truth and valor, as a protector like the guardians of the world. “Child,” it was said to the 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, as Marīca was to Kaśyapa.” The strength, health, and life of Rāma, who knows his own self, were renowned among gods, asuras, humans, gandharvas, and serpents alike. All people, both within the city and throughout the kingdom, placed their hopes in him. Women, elders, and young maidens, focused in mind, 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. Therefore, it was urged, “O bestower of boons, you should quickly anoint your son, who is like the lord of gods, devoted to the welfare of all, and adorned with noble virtues, for our happiness.” Now, hear the third sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. Having received the assembled people, their hands joined like lotuses in reverence, King Daśaratha spoke to them words that were 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.” The king continued, “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 noise 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 the king’s command, Vasiṣṭha, the best of sages, ordered those present, who stood with hands joined in reverence, to bring gold and other jewels, tributes, and all medicinal herbs. He called for white garlands, parched grains, honey and clarified butter separately, unworn garments, a chariot, and all kinds of weapons as well. The fourfold army was to be prepared, along with an elephant of auspicious marks, both fly-whisks, the white umbrella, and the royal banner. He directed that a hundred golden water jars, a bull with golden horns, and a complete tiger skin be brought. “And whatever else is desirable, let all that be arranged; present everything at dawn in the king’s fire-chamber,” he commanded. 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. “As soon as the sun rises tomorrow,” Vasiṣṭha instructed, “let the auspicious rites be performed; let Brahmins be invited and seats arranged for them. Let banners be fastened and the royal road sprinkled; let all the doorkeepers and courtesans be adorned.” Thus, with joy and reverence, the preparations for Rāma’s installation as crown prince began, as all hearts turned toward the radiant scion of the Ikṣvāku line.