King Dasharatha, his heart set on the consecration of his beloved son Rāma, turned to Vasiṣṭha, the foremost among sages. With deep trust, he said, “O venerable one, whatever is required for Rāma’s anointing—all the arrangements—let it be done today under your command.” Hearing the king’s words, Vasiṣṭha, wise and revered, began to issue instructions to those assembled before the throne, their hands folded in reverence. He ordered them to gather gold and precious jewels, tributes from far and wide, and all manner of medicinal herbs. White garlands, parched grains, honey, and clarified butter were to be brought separately, along with unworn garments, a splendid chariot, and every kind of weapon. The fourfold army was to be readied, and an elephant bearing auspicious marks prepared, along with both royal fly-whisks, the white umbrella of sovereignty, and the royal banner. Vasiṣṭha directed that a hundred golden water jars be filled, and a bull with golden horns and a complete tiger skin be procured. “Whatever else is desirable for the sacred ceremony,” he said, “let it all 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 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—enough to satisfy every wish. Further, he commanded that the foremost Brahmins be honored, and that ghee, curds, parched grains, and generous gifts be given to them at dawn. “As soon as the sun rises tomorrow,” Vasiṣṭha declared, “let the auspicious rites begin. Invite the Brahmins and arrange seats for them.” He ordered banners to be fastened and the royal road sprinkled with water, and that all the doorkeepers and courtesans be adorned in their finest. Those bearing food and gifts were to stand ready in the palace’s second courtyard, as well as at temples and shrines. Those fit to carry garlands were to be stationed apart, while warriors with long swords and leather belts, fully armed and splendidly attired, were to be present. The valiant men were to enter the great royal hall itself. Having thus given his instructions, Vasiṣṭha, together with another Brahmin, saw to the arrangements. Everything was carried out as ordered, and the attendants returned to the king to report, “It is done.” Pleased and filled with joy at their faithful execution, the radiant king turned to Sumantra and said, “Bring Rāma here quickly; he who is self-controlled.” Sumantra, ever obedient, departed at the king’s command and soon returned, bringing Rāma in a chariot, himself the best among charioteers. Rāma entered and beheld King Dasharatha seated among kings from every direction—east, north, west, and south—as well as foreigners, Aryans, and those from forests and mountains. All waited upon Dasharatha as the gods attend Indra; among them, the royal sage shone brilliantly, like Indra among the Maruts. Standing on the palace terrace, Dasharatha saw his son approaching—renowned for his valor, radiant as a king of the Gandharvas. Rāma, long-armed and strong, moved with the grace of a proud elephant, his face shining like moonstone, a delight to behold. His beauty, nobility, and virtues captivated every eye and heart, bringing joy to the people as rain brings relief to parched earth. Even as Rāma drew near, the king could not gaze upon him enough. Sumantra helped Rāghava descend from the 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. Swiftly ascending, Rāma entered and bowed before his father, announcing his name and humbly touching Dasharatha’s feet. Seeing his son bowed before him, the king drew Rāma close, grasping his joined hands, and offered him a splendid seat adorned with gems and gold. As Rāma took that beautiful, highest seat, he shone forth, his own radiance illuminating the assembly like the sun rising on Mount Meru. The gathering glowed with his presence, as the autumn sky glows with the moon among stars. Seeing his beloved son, the king felt deep satisfaction, as if beholding his own image reflected in a spotless mirror. Then, the best of fathers spoke to his well-seated son, his words filled with love and wisdom: “Rāma, you are born of my chief queen, worthy in every way—a son worthy of me. You are my beloved, supreme in virtues; by your own qualities, you have won the hearts of the people. Therefore, under the star Puṣya, receive the office of heir-apparent; by nature and by choice, you have been found virtuous. “Yet, my son, though you are virtuous, out of affection I offer you this counsel: always maintain humility and keep your senses under control. Abandon the faults that arise from desire and anger; conduct yourself with proper behavior, both in private and in public. Win over all, from ministers to the people, and amass great stores in the treasuries and armories. He who rules the earth with subjects who are devoted and loving—his friends rejoice as the gods rejoice on obtaining nectar.