Thus, Rāma—the tiger among men—always addresses you with respect and affection, and whenever people face misfortune, he is deeply troubled for their sake. In times of celebration, he rejoices as a loving father would. He is ever truthful, a mighty archer, devoted in service to elders, and has mastered his senses completely. Rāma speaks with a gentle smile, wholly devoted to Dharma, always uttering words that are just and beneficial, never indulging in contentious speech. In questioning and answering, his wisdom rivals that of Bṛhaspati; with his beautiful brows and wide, coppery eyes, he resembles Viṣṇu himself. Beloved by all, Rāma surpasses others in courage, strength, and valor. He is unwavering in his resolve to protect the people, and his senses are never overcome by passion. He is so capable that he could enjoy the sovereignty of all three worlds—what then of this earth? His anger and his favor are always purposeful, never arbitrary. He punishes only those who deserve it and never grows angry with the innocent. He bestows wealth joyfully and is pleased wherever righteousness is found. Rāma shines with virtues—self-controlled, beloved by all, and a source of joy, radiant like the sun spreading its rays. The earth herself longed for Rāma, so steadfast in truth and valor, a protector as powerful as the guardians of the world. Fortunate are you, child, to have such a son who excels in virtue; by destiny, this Rāghava is yours, just as Marīca was to Kaśyapa. The strength, health, and very life of Rāma, who knows himself, are celebrated among gods, asuras, humans, gandharvas, and serpents alike. All the people—within the city and beyond, in the kingdom and the capital—place their hopes in him. Women, elders, and young maidens, with concentrated minds, worship the gods morning and evening for Rāma’s sake, praying that, by your grace, their wishes may be fulfilled. May we see Rāma, dark as a blue lotus and destroyer of all enemies, established as crown prince—your excellent son, O king. O bestower of boons, for our happiness, 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. Now, hear the third sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. The king, having received the people’s respectful salutations, spoke to them words that were pleasing and beneficial. “Ah,” he said, “I am supremely delighted, and my power is unmatched, since you desire that my eldest and most beloved son be installed as crown prince.” “This auspicious month of Caitra has come, holy and filled with blossoming groves. Let all preparations be made for Rāma’s installation as crown prince.” When the king finished speaking, 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 words, Vasiṣṭha, the best of sages, instructed those standing before the king, their hands joined in reverence, to bring gold and other jewels, tributes, and all medicinal herbs. He ordered that white garlands, parched grains, honey and clarified butter, unworn garments, a chariot, and all kinds of weapons 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, a bull with golden horns, and a complete tiger skin were also to be brought. Whatever else was desirable was to be arranged, and all these collected at dawn in the king’s fire-chamber. The gates of the inner palace and the whole 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. After honoring the foremost Brahmins, ghee, curds, parched grains, and abundant gifts were to be given to them the next morning. At sunrise, the auspicious rites were to be performed, Brahmins invited, and seats arranged for them. Banners were to 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, as well as at temples and shrines. Those fit to bear garlands were to be stationed separately, and those with long swords and leather belts, fully armed and splendidly dressed, were to be present. The valiant men were to enter the great royal hall. Thus, after giving these instructions, the two Brahmins completed the arrangements as ordered. They reported to the king that all was done, and, approaching the lord of the world, said, “It is done.” Pleased and filled with joy at their faithful execution of his commands, the radiant king then spoke to Sumantra: “Let Rāma, who is self-controlled, be brought here quickly by you.” Sumantra, having agreed, went at the king’s command. He brought Rāma in a chariot, for he was the best among charioteers. As they sat together, Rāma beheld King Dasharatha. There, too, had gathered kings from the east, north, west, and south, as well as foreigners, Aryans, and others dwelling in forests and mountains.