In the royal palace, those who stood respectfully before King Dasharatha, their hands joined in reverence, received his solemn command. The king ordered them to gather gold and precious jewels, tributes from near and far, and all varieties of medicinal herbs. He instructed that white garlands be prepared, along with parched grains, honey, and clarified butter, each set apart. Unworn garments were to be brought, as well as a magnificent chariot and every kind of weapon. The king’s orders continued: the fourfold army—infantry, cavalry, chariots, and elephants—was to be made ready, and among the elephants, one bearing the most auspicious marks was to be chosen. The ceremonial fly-whisks, the pure white umbrella of royalty, and the royal banner were all to be assembled. A hundred golden water jars were to be filled, and a bull with golden horns, along with a complete tiger skin, was to be set aside for the sacred rituals. Dasharatha commanded that anything else considered desirable or auspicious should also be arranged, with all these items presented at dawn in the king’s fire-chamber. The gates of the inner palace and the entire city were to be adorned with sandalwood garlands and fragrant incense, filling the air with a sense of celebration. The king decreed that excellent, wholesome food—accompanied by curds and milk—should be prepared in abundance for hundreds of thousands of Brahmins, enough to satisfy every desire. The foremost among the Brahmins were to be honored, receiving ghee, curds, parched grains, and generous gifts the following morning. As soon as the sun rose, the auspicious rites would commence. Brahmins were to be invited, and seats arranged for their comfort. Banners would be fastened along the royal road, which would be sprinkled with water to settle the dust, and all the doorkeepers and courtesans were to be splendidly adorned. Those bearing food and gifts were to stand ready in the second courtyard of the royal residence, as well as at the city’s temples and shrines. Individuals fit to carry garlands were to be stationed separately, while those armed with long swords and leather belts, dressed in their finest and fully equipped, would be present in all their splendor. The valiant men were to enter the great royal hall, prepared for the momentous occasion. Having received these instructions, the two Brahmins completed the arrangements with care and devotion. They carried out every order, then reported back to the king. Approaching the lord of the world, they announced, “It is done.” King Dasharatha, radiant and filled with joy at their faithful service, turned his attention to Sumantra. “Bring Rāma here at once,” he said. Sumantra, ever obedient, set out immediately and returned with Rāma in a chariot, being himself the finest of charioteers. As they arrived, Rāma saw his father, King Dasharatha, waiting for him. In the palace, kings from the east, north, west, and south had gathered—foreigners, Aryans, and those from distant forests and mountains. They all waited upon Dasharatha, just as the gods attend upon Indra; among them, Dasharatha shone resplendent, like Indra among the Maruts. Standing on the palace terrace, Dasharatha saw his son approaching—a youth renowned for valor and beauty, likened to a king of the Gandharvas. Rāma, long-armed and mighty, moved with the grace of a proud elephant; his face glowed like moonstone, and his presence was a delight to behold. His beauty, nobility, and virtues captivated all who saw him, bringing joy to the people as rain brings relief to the parched earth. Even as Rāma drew near, the king could not take his eyes off his beloved son. Sumantra helped Rāghava descend from the chariot, then followed behind him with hands respectfully joined. Rāma, the joy of the Raghu line, approached the palace shining like a peak of Kailāsa. Swiftly ascending, Rāghava entered the palace to see his father. With joined palms, he bowed low before the king, announcing his name and touching his father’s feet. Seeing his son thus bowed and full of humility, the king’s heart overflowed with affection. He drew Rāma close, grasped his joined hands, and offered him a splendid seat adorned with gems and gold. Directed to the highest and most beautiful seat, Rāma took his place, and his presence illuminated the entire assembly. His radiance, pure as the sun rising over Mount Meru, filled the hall with brilliance. The gathering shone like an autumn sky bright with stars and planets around the full moon. Seeing his beloved son, the king felt complete satisfaction, as if beholding himself in a spotless mirror. Then, the best of fathers spoke to his well-seated son, addressing him 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 the people. Therefore, under the auspicious star Puṣya, receive the office of heir-apparent, for by nature and by choice, you have proven yourself virtuous. “Yet, though you are virtuous, out of affection I will speak for your welfare: always maintain humility and keep your senses under control. Abandon the faults that arise from desire and anger, and conduct yourself with proper behavior in both private and public life. Win over everyone, from your ministers to the people themselves, and gather great stores in the treasuries and armories. He who rules the earth with devoted and loving subjects brings joy to his friends, just as the gods rejoice on obtaining nectar. “Therefore, my son, restrain yourself and act accordingly.” Hearing the king’s words, Rāma’s friends—devoted to him and eager to please—hurried to Kausalyā. She, in her joy, distributed gold, cows, and many kinds of jewels, sharing her happiness with all.