At King Dasharatha’s command, preparations of great splendor began in Ayodhyā. “Let there be a hundred golden water jars,” he ordered, “a bull with golden horns, and a complete tiger skin. Arrange for anything else that might be desirable—let all these be presented at dawn in the king’s fire-chamber.” He further instructed that the gates of the inner palace, and indeed the whole 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—enough to satisfy every desire. The foremost among the Brahmins were to be honored with gifts of ghee, curds, parched grains, and other rich offerings the next morning. As soon as the sun rose, auspicious rites would commence. Brahmins would be invited and their seats arranged. Banners were to be fastened, the royal road sprinkled with water, and all the doorkeepers and courtesans adorned in their best. Those bearing food and gifts were to stand ready in the second courtyard of the royal residence and at all temples and shrines. Those fit to wear garlands were stationed separately, while warriors with long swords and leather belts, splendidly dressed and fully armed, took their places. The valiant men entered the great royal hall. The two Brahmins, having received these instructions, completed all arrangements as directed. When all was ready, they reported to the king, “It is done.” Pleased and filled with joy at their faithful execution, the radiant king turned to Sumantra and said, “Let Rāma, who is self-controlled, be brought here quickly by you.” Sumantra agreed and, at the king’s command, brought Rāma in a chariot, he himself the finest among charioteers. As they arrived, Rāma beheld King Dasharatha. The royal hall was resplendent, for kings from the east, north, west, and south, as well as foreigners, Aryans, and people from forests and mountains, had all gathered there, waiting upon Dasharatha as the gods attend Indra. Among them, the royal sage Dasharatha shone like Indra among the Maruts. Standing on the palace terrace, Dasharatha saw his son approaching—renowned for his valor, radiant as a king among the Gandharvas. Rāma, long-armed and mighty, moved with the grace of a proud elephant; his face glowed like moonstone, exceedingly pleasing to behold. His beauty, nobility, and virtue captivated all who saw him, delighting the people as rain delights the 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, Rāghava ascended to see the king. With joined hands, he bowed before his father and announced his name. Seeing his beloved son bowing with hands respectfully joined, the king drew Rāma close, grasping his hands in affection, and offered him a splendid seat adorned with gems and gold. Rāma sat upon that beautiful, highest seat, shining forth with his own radiance, pure as the sun rising on Mount Meru, illuminating the entire assembly. That gathering glowed like the autumn sky, pure and bright with planets and stars, shining with the moon. Seeing his beloved son, the king was content, feeling as if he beheld his own reflection in a spotless mirror. Then, the best of fathers spoke to his well-seated son. Dasharatha addressed Rāma 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 virtue; by your own 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.” He continued, “Yet, though you are virtuous, out of affection I will speak for your good, my son: ever maintain humility and always keep your senses under control. Abandon the 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, Rāma’s friends, devoted to him and eager to please, quickly went to Kausalyā and reported all that had occurred. Kausalyā, the foremost among noble women, distributed gold, cows, and various kinds of jewels to those dear to her. After saluting the king, Rāghava mounted his chariot and returned to his splendid home, honored by crowds of people. The citizens, having heard the king’s words, rejoiced as if they had gained a great prize. After taking leave of the king, they returned to their homes, filled with joy, and worshipped the gods. Thus concludes this portion of the sacred narrative. Now, listen to the next chapter.