The strength, health, and very life of Rāma—who knows his true Self—are famed throughout all realms: among gods, asuras, humans, gandharvas, and serpents alike. All people, whether within the city or beyond its walls, across the kingdom and in the heart of the capital, place their hopes in him. Women, elders, and young maidens, their minds focused and intent, worship the gods every morning and evening for Rāma’s sake, praying that their heartfelt wishes may be fulfilled by divine grace. Their prayer is simple and earnest: “May we behold Rāma, dark as a blue lotus and destroyer of all adversaries, established as crown prince—your excellent son, O king. O bestower of boons, for our happiness, you should swiftly anoint your son, who is like the lord of gods, ever devoted to the welfare of all people and endowed with noble virtues.” Now, hear the beginning of the third sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. Having received the respectful salutations of his subjects, their lotus-like hands joined in reverence, King Daśaratha addressed them with words both pleasing and beneficial: “Ah, I am supremely delighted, and my power is unmatched, for you desire that my eldest and beloved son be installed as crown prince. This auspicious month of Caitra has arrived—holy, with all the groves in blossom. Let everything be prepared for Rāma’s installation as crown prince.” When the king’s words were spoken, a great clamor of joy arose among the people. As the noise gradually subsided, the king turned to Vasiṣṭha, foremost among sages, and said, “O venerable one, whatever is required for Rāma’s consecration, with all its arrangements, should be made today. Please command everything.” Hearing the king’s words, Vasiṣṭha, the best of sages, gave instructions to those assembled before the king, their hands joined in reverence. He ordered them to bring gold and other jewels, tributes, and all the necessary medicinal herbs. White garlands, parched grains, honey, clarified butter in separate vessels, unworn garments, a chariot, and all manner of weapons were to be gathered as well. The fourfold army was to be made ready, along with an elephant bearing auspicious marks, both fly-whisks, the white royal umbrella, and the banner. A hundred golden water jars, a bull with golden horns, and a complete tiger skin were to be procured. Whatever else was desirable for the rite was to be arranged, and all these were to be presented at dawn in the king’s sacred fire-chamber. The gates of the inner palace and the entire city were to be adorned with garlands of sandalwood 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 given to them the next morning. As soon as the sun rose, the auspicious rites were to begin. The Brahmins were to be invited and seats arranged for them. Banners were to be fastened, and the royal road sprinkled clean. All doorkeepers and courtesans were to be 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 wear garlands were to be stationed separately, while those with long swords and leather belts, fully armed and splendidly dressed, were to be present as well. The valiant men were to enter the great royal hall. Having given these detailed instructions, the two Brahmins completed all arrangements. They did everything as ordered, reported to the king, and, approaching the lord of the world, announced, “It is done.” Pleased and filled with joy at their faithful execution of his commands, the radiant king then spoke to Sumantra, his charioteer: “Let Rāma, who is self-controlled, be brought here quickly by you.” Sumantra, having agreed, went at the king’s command and brought Rāma in a chariot, for he was the best among charioteers. As they arrived and sat together, Rāma saw King Daśaratha. Kings from the east, north, west, and south, as well as foreigners, Aryans, and those dwelling in forests and mountains, all waited upon Daśaratha, just as the gods attend upon Indra. Amid them, that royal sage shone like Indra among the Maruts. Standing on the palace terrace, Daśaratha saw his son approaching—renowned throughout the world for his valor, resembling a king of the Gandharvas. Rāma, long-armed and mighty, moved with the grace of a proud elephant. His face shone like a moonstone, exceedingly pleasing to behold. With beauty, nobility, and virtues that captivated the eyes and hearts of men, he delighted the people, parched by the heat of longing, as rain delights the earth. Even as Rāma drew near, the king could not have enough of gazing at him. Sumantra helped Rāghava descend from the excellent chariot. With joined palms, Sumantra followed behind Rāma as he went toward his father. The joy of the Raghu line approached that palace, shining like a peak of Kailāsa. Rāghava swiftly ascended to see the king in that palace. Approaching with joined hands, he bowed before his father, announced his own name, and touched the king’s feet. Seeing his son bowed with hands joined at his side, the king drew Rāma close, grasping his hands in affection. He offered him a splendid seat adorned with gems and gold, directing Rāma to that beautiful, highest seat. Having attained that excellent seat, Rāghava shone forth brilliantly, radiant among all assembled.