On that auspicious day, King Dasharatha, venerable and radiant, turned to the sage Vasiṣṭha, the foremost among sages, and said, “Today, O venerable one, you should command everything.” Hearing the king’s words, Vasiṣṭha, wise and revered, promptly began issuing instructions. He ordered those assembled before the king, their hands joined in reverence, to bring forth gold and other precious jewels, tributes, and all manner of medicinal herbs. He called for white garlands, parched grains, honey, and clarified butter to be gathered separately, along with unworn garments, a chariot, and every kind of weapon. “Let the fourfold army be prepared,” he declared, “along with an elephant bearing auspicious marks, both fly-whisks, the white umbrella, and the royal banner.” He instructed them to arrange a hundred golden water jars, a bull with golden horns, and a complete tiger skin. “Whatever else is desirable, let it be arranged; present everything at dawn in the king’s fire-chamber,” he commanded. Vasiṣṭha further directed that the gates of the inner palace and the entire city be adorned with sandalwood garlands and fragrant incense. He asked that excellent, wholesome food, with curds and milk as condiments, be provided in abundance for hundreds of thousands of Brahmins, as much as they desired. “Honor the foremost Brahmins,” he said, “and give them ghee, curds, parched grains, and abundant gifts tomorrow morning.” He continued, “As soon as the sun rises tomorrow, let the auspicious rites be performed. Invite the Brahmins and arrange seats for them. Fasten banners and sprinkle the royal road. Let all the doorkeepers and courtesans be adorned. Let those with food and gifts stand in the second courtyard of the royal residence, and at temples and shrines. Station those fit to bear garlands separately. Let those with long swords and leather belts, fully armed and splendidly dressed, be present. Let the valiant men enter the great royal hall.” With these arrangements complete, the two Brahmins carried out every detail as ordered, reported back to the king, and, approaching Dasharatha, said, “It is done.” The king was filled with joy and satisfaction at their faithful execution of his commands. With pleasure shining on his face, Dasharatha spoke to Sumantra, his trusted charioteer: “Let Rama, who is self-controlled, be brought here quickly by you.” Sumantra received the order and departed at once, returning with Rama in a chariot, skillfully driving the prince to the palace. As Rama entered and sat with Sumantra, he beheld King Dasharatha surrounded by kings from all directions—east, north, west, and south—as well as foreigners, Aryans, and those dwelling in forests and mountains. All waited upon Dasharatha as the gods attend Indra. Among them, the royal sage shone like Indra among the Maruts. Standing on the palace terrace, Dasharatha saw his son approaching—Rama, renowned for valor, resembling a king of the Gandharvas. Rama’s long arms, great strength, and majestic gait were like a proud elephant; his face shone like moonstone, exceedingly pleasing to behold. His beauty, nobility, and virtues captivated every eye and heart, delighting the people as rain delights the scorched earth. Even as Rama drew near, Dasharatha could not gaze enough upon him. Sumantra assisted Rāghava in descending from the chariot. With joined palms, Sumantra followed behind Rama as he approached his father. The joy of the Raghu line entered the palace, shining like a peak of Kailāsa. Rama swiftly ascended to see the king, approaching with joined hands and bowing before his father. Announcing his own name, Rama bowed at Dasharatha’s feet. Seeing his beloved son bowed with reverent hands, the king drew him close, grasping his joined hands, and offered him a splendid seat adorned with gems and gold. Dasharatha directed Rama to the highest, most beautiful seat. Having attained that seat, Rāghava shone forth, his own radiance pure as the sun rising on Mount Meru, illuminating the assembly and making it resplendent. Like the autumn sky, pure with planets and stars, shines with the moon, so did the assembly glow. Seeing his beloved son, Dasharatha felt complete satisfaction, as if adorned and reflected in a spotless mirror. Then, the best of fathers spoke to his well-seated son. With affection and pride, Dasharatha addressed Rama as Kaśyapa might speak to Indra: “You are born of my chief queen, worthy in every way, and a worthy son. You are my beloved, supreme in virtues; by your qualities, you have won the hearts of these people. Therefore, under the star Puṣya, receive the office of heir-apparent; for by nature and by choice, you have been found virtuous.” Yet, out of affection, Dasharatha continued, “Though you are virtuous, I will speak for your good, my son: ever maintain humility and always keep your senses under control. Abandon faults arising from desire and anger; conduct yourself both in private and in public with proper behavior. Win over all, from ministers onward, and the people as well; amass great stores in 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. Therefore, my son, restrain yourself and act accordingly.” Hearing these words, Rama’s friends—devoted to him and eager to please—were filled with joy and anticipation, ready to honor their beloved prince.