In the glorious city of Ayodhyā, Rāma was celebrated in all festive occasions, rejoicing like a loving father among the people. He always spoke the truth, wielded the bow with great might, served his elders with devotion, and had mastery over his senses. His words were gentle, always accompanied by a smile, and he was unwaveringly devoted to Dharma. Rāma spoke rightly, always for the good, and had no taste for quarrels or contentious speech. In both answering and questioning, his speech was as wise and eloquent as Bṛhaspati, the preceptor of the gods. His beautiful brows and wide, coppery eyes gave him a divine presence, reminiscent of Viṣṇu himself. Beloved by all the world, Rāma excelled in courage, strength, and valor, and was devoted to protecting the people. His senses were never overcome by passion, and he was capable even of enjoying the three worlds—what then of this earth? His anger and favor were always purposeful, never arbitrary. When punishment was necessary, Rāma would deliver it, but he never grew angry with the innocent. He gave wealth with joy and was pleased by righteousness wherever it was found. Shining with virtues, self-controlled, and beloved by all, Rāma was a source of joy, radiant like the sun with its rays. The earth herself desired Rāma, steadfast in truth and valor, and a protector like the guardians of the world. The people spoke with reverence to the king, saying, "Child, you are blessed with a son who excels in virtue; by fortune, this Rāghava is yours, endowed with the qualities of a son, just as 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, their minds focused, worshipped the gods morning and evening for Rāma’s sake, praying that their wishes might be fulfilled by divine grace. They prayed, "May we see Rāma, dark as a blue lotus and destroyer of all enemies, established as crown prince, your excellent son, O king." They implored, "O bestower of boons, you should quickly anoint your son, who is like the lord of gods, devoted to the welfare of all, endowed with noble virtues, for our happiness." Now begins the third sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. The king, having received the people’s lotus-like joined palms in reverence, spoke words that were pleasing and beneficial. He declared, "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 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 arose among the people. As the noise gradually subsided, the king spoke to Vasiṣṭha, the foremost sage, saying, "Whatever is required for Rāma’s consecration, with all its arrangements, let it be commanded today, O venerable one." Hearing the king’s words, Vasiṣṭha, the best of sages, ordered those who stood before the king, 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 banner. A hundred golden water jars, a bull with golden horns, and a complete tiger skin were to be arranged. Vasiṣṭha instructed that whatever else was desirable should be prepared and presented 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. As soon as the sun rose, the auspicious rites would be performed; Brahmins were to be invited, and seats arranged for them. Banners were to be fastened, and the royal road sprinkled; all the doorkeepers and courtesans were to be adorned. Those bringing food and gifts were to stand in the second courtyard of the royal residence, and at temples and shrines. Those fit to bear garlands were to be stationed separately; 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, having given these instructions, the two Brahmins completed the arrangements there. They did everything else as ordered, reported to the king, and, approaching the lord of the world, said, "It is done." Pleased and filled with joy at their faithful execution of his words, 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 and brought Rāma there in a chariot, being the best among charioteers. As they sat together, Rāma saw King Dasharatha surrounded by kings from the east, north, west, and south, as well as foreigners, Aryans, and others dwelling in forests and mountains. All of them waited upon him as the gods do upon Indra. Among them, that royal sage shone like Indra among the Maruts, radiant and majestic, as the preparations for Rāma’s consecration as crown prince were set in motion.