Now hear the third sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa’s Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. King Daśaratha, having received the assembled people, who greeted him with joined palms like lotus buds, addressed them with words that were both pleasing and for their benefit. “Ah,” he declared, “my heart is supremely delighted, and my strength feels boundless, for you wish to see my eldest and beloved son installed as crown prince.” With this, he announced, “The auspicious month of Caitra has arrived, holy and adorned with blossoming groves. Let all preparations be made for Rāma’s installation as crown prince.” As soon as the king finished speaking, a great, joyful clamor rose among the people. When the excitement subsided, the king turned to Vasiṣṭha, the foremost of sages. “O venerable one,” he said, “whatever is required for Rāma’s consecration, with all the necessary arrangements, let it be done today at your command.” Vasiṣṭha, the best of sages, heard the king’s words and immediately gave instructions to those standing before the throne, their hands respectfully joined. He ordered them to bring gold and jewels, tributes, and all kinds of medicinal herbs. White garlands, parched grains, honey, clarified butter, unworn garments, a chariot, and all manner of weapons were to be gathered. The fourfold army was to be prepared, along with an elephant bearing auspicious marks, both fly-whisks, the white royal umbrella, and the banner. A hundred golden water jars were to be arranged, as well as a bull with golden horns and a complete tiger skin. “Whatever else is desirable,” Vasiṣṭha commanded, “let all that be arranged and presented at dawn in the king’s fire-chamber.” He instructed that the gates of the inner palace and the entire city 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 with gifts of ghee, curds, parched grains, and more, to be distributed to them the following morning. “As soon as the sun rises tomorrow,” Vasiṣṭha continued, “let the auspicious rites be performed. Invite the Brahmins and arrange seats for them. Fasten banners, sprinkle the royal road, and adorn all doorkeepers and courtesans. Those bearing food and gifts should stand in the second courtyard of the royal residence and at temples and shrines. Let those fit to bear garlands be stationed apart, and let the warriors with long swords and leather belts, splendidly armed and dressed, be present. Let the valiant men enter the great royal hall.” Having given these instructions, the two Brahmins completed all the arrangements. They carried out everything as ordered and reported to the king. Approaching the lord of the world, they announced, “It is done.” The radiant king, pleased and filled with joy at their faithful execution of his words, spoke to Sumantra. “Bring Rāma here at once, for he is self-controlled.” Sumantra, the best among charioteers, agreed and went at the king’s command. He brought Rāma in a chariot, and as they arrived, Rāma beheld King Daśaratha. Kings from the east, north, west, and south, as well as foreigners, Aryans, and those dwelling in forests and mountains—all were present, waiting upon him as the gods wait upon Indra. Among them, Daśaratha shone like Indra among the Maruts. Standing on the palace terrace, Daśaratha saw his son approaching—renowned 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, and he was exceedingly pleasing to behold. His beauty, nobility, and virtues captivated the eyes and hearts of all, delighting the people as rain delights the earth scorched by heat. Even as Rāma drew near, the king could not tire of gazing at him. Sumantra helped Rāghava descend from the excellent chariot, and, with joined palms, followed behind as Rāma approached his father. The joy of the Raghu line entered the palace, shining like a peak of Kailāsa. Rāghava swiftly ascended to see the king, approaching with joined hands and bowing low before his father. Announcing his own name, Rāma bowed at his father’s feet. Seeing his son bowed with joined hands, the king drew his beloved child close, grasping his hands, and offered him a splendid seat adorned with gems and gold. The king directed Rāma to that beautiful, highest seat, and, seated there, Rāghava shone forth. By his own radiance—pure as the sun rising on Mount Meru—he illumined the entire assembly, which became resplendent. Just as the autumn sky, pure with planets and stars, glows with the presence of the moon, so did that assembly shine; and seeing his beloved son, the king was deeply satisfied. He beheld himself as if reflected in a spotless mirror. Then, the best of fathers spoke to his well-seated son, as Kaśyapa might address Indra: “You are born of my chief queen, worthy in every way, and a worthy son. You are my beloved, Rāma, supreme in virtues. By your own qualities, you have won the hearts of these people.