In the illustrious city of Ayodhyā, the elder brother of Bharata—Rāma—stood as the foremost master of Gandharva arts upon earth. Born of noble lineage, virtuous and undisturbed in spirit, he possessed a great intellect. Trained by distinguished Brahmins, experts in Dharma and Artha, Rāma was prepared for every challenge; whenever he went to battle for the sake of a village or city, he did so with Saumitri at his side, and never returned without victory. Whether he came back riding an elephant or in a chariot, his triumph was assured. Upon his return, Rāma would always inquire about the welfare of the citizens, caring for them as if they were his own kin. He asked after their sons, their sacred fires, their wives, servants, and students, questioning in detail and with order, just as a father would about his own children: “Do your students serve you? Are you well protected by armor?” In this way, Rāma, the tiger among men, would address the people, and in their misfortunes, he was deeply afflicted. In times of celebration, he rejoiced like a father, always speaking truth, serving elders, mastering his senses, and excelling as a mighty archer. Rāma spoke with a smile, wholly devoted to Dharma, always speaking rightly and for the good, never indulging in contentious speech. In answering and questioning, his words were as wise as those of Bṛhaspati. With beautiful brows and wide coppery eyes, he was like Viṣṇu himself. Beloved throughout the world, Rāma excelled in courage, strength, and valor, devoted to the protection of the people, his senses never overcome by passion. He was capable of enjoying even the three worlds—what, then, of this earth? His anger and favor were always purposeful; he punished those who deserved it, never growing angry with the innocent. He gave wealth gladly, and was pleased where righteousness prevailed. Shining with virtues, self-controlled and beloved by all, Rāma was a source of joy to the people, radiant as the sun with its rays. The earth herself longed for Rāma, steadfast in truth and valor, a protector like the guardians of the world. “Child, you are blessed with a son who excels in virtue,” people would say to the king. “By fortune, this Rāghava is yours, endowed with the qualities of a son, like Marīca to Kaśyapa.” The strength, health, and life of Rāma, who knows himself, were renowned among gods, asuras, humans, gandharvas, and serpents. All people, both within the city and outside, throughout the kingdom and the capital, pinned their hopes on 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. “May we see Rāma, dark as a blue lotus and destroyer of all enemies, established as 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, having received all their lotus-like joined palms, spoke words that were pleasing and beneficial to the assembly. “Ah, 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 with blossoming groves; let everything be prepared for Rāma’s installation as crown prince.” When the king finished speaking, a great clamor arose among the people, and as the noise gradually subsided, 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 words, Vasiṣṭha, the best of sages, ordered those before the king, who stood with hands joined in reverence, to bring gold and other jewels, tributes, and all medicinal herbs. He instructed them to gather white garlands, parched grains, honey and clarified butter separately, unworn garments, a chariot, and all kinds of weapons. The fourfold army was to be prepared, along with an elephant of auspicious marks, both fly-whisks, the white umbrella, and the banner. A hundred golden water jars were required, a bull with golden horns, and a complete tiger skin. Whatever else was desirable, all was to be arranged and presented at dawn in the king’s fire-chamber. Vasiṣṭha further directed 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. The foremost Brahmins were to be honored, receiving ghee, curds, parched grains, and abundant gifts the next morning. As soon as the sun rose, auspicious rites were to be performed; Brahmins were to be invited and seats arranged for them. Banners would be fastened, the royal road sprinkled, and all doorkeepers and courtesans adorned. Those bearing food and gifts were to stand in the second courtyard of the royal residence and at temples and shrines. Those fit to bear garlands would be stationed separately; those with long swords and leather belts, fully armed and splendidly dressed, would be present. The valiant men would enter the great royal hall. Thus, having given these instructions, the two Brahmins completed the arrangements, setting the stage for Rāma’s glorious consecration as crown prince.