Rāma, with his extraordinary capabilities, could enjoy the pleasures of all three worlds—what then of merely ruling the earth? His anger and his favor are never arbitrary; each is guided by purpose and justice. When someone deserves punishment, Rāma does not hesitate to mete it out, yet he never directs anger toward the innocent. With joyful generosity, he bestows wealth, and his heart is gladdened wherever righteousness prevails. Rāma’s virtues shine forth brilliantly. He is self-controlled, beloved by all, and brings joy to everyone—like the radiant sun spreading its light. The earth herself yearned for Rāma, steadfast in truth and valor, a protector as powerful as the guardians of the worlds. “Child,” it was said, “you are truly blessed to have a son who excels in virtue. By fortune, this Rāghava is yours, endowed with the qualities of an ideal son, just as Marīca was to Kaśyapa.” Rāma’s strength, health, and life are renowned among gods, asuras, humans, gandharvas, and serpents alike. All the people, both within the city and beyond, throughout the kingdom and its capital, place their hopes in him. Women, elders, and young maidens, their minds focused, worship the gods morning and evening for Rāma’s sake, praying that their wishes may be fulfilled by divine grace. “May we behold 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, for our happiness, you should quickly anoint your son, who is like the lord of gods, devoted to the welfare of all, and endowed with noble virtues.” Now begins the third sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. The king, having received the respectful salutations of his subjects, spoke words that were pleasing and beneficial. “Ah, I am supremely delighted and my power is unmatched, since you all desire that my eldest beloved son 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’s words ended, a great clamor arose among the people. When the noise gradually subsided, the king spoke to Vasiṣṭha, the foremost sage: “Whatever is required for Rāma’s consecration, with all its arrangements—today, O venerable one, you should command everything.” Hearing this, Vasiṣṭha, the best of sages, ordered those present before the king, their 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. The fourfold army was to be prepared, along with an elephant bearing auspicious marks, fly-whisks, the white umbrella, and the banner. A hundred golden water jars were to be brought, along with a bull with golden horns and a complete tiger skin. “Whatever else is desirable, let all that be arranged,” he said. “Present everything 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 would be invited and seats arranged for them. Banners were to be fastened and the royal road sprinkled; doorkeepers and courtesans adorned. Those bearing food and gifts would 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. Valiant men were to enter the great royal hall. Thus, having given these instructions, the two Brahmins completed the arrangements. They fulfilled everything 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, 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, being the best among charioteers. As they sat together, Rāma saw King Dasharatha. Kings from the east, north, west, and south, as well as foreigners, Aryans, and those dwelling in forests and mountains, all waited upon him as the gods wait upon Indra. Among them, that royal sage shone like Indra among the Maruts. Standing on the palace terrace, Dasharatha saw his son approaching, renowned throughout the world for his valor, resembling a king of the Gandharvas. Rāma, long-armed and of great strength, moving like a proud elephant, with a face radiant as the moonstone, was exceedingly pleasing to behold. His beauty, nobility, and virtues captivated the eyes and hearts of men, delighting the people scorched by heat, just as rain delights the earth. Even as Rāma approached, the king could not have enough of gazing at him. Then Sumantra helped Rāghava descend from the excellent chariot, and thus, the preparations for Rāma’s consecration as crown prince unfolded with auspiciousness and joy.