As dawn approached, King Dasharatha gave instructions for the day to come. He ordered that, with the rising sun, auspicious rites should be performed, Brahmins invited, and seats arranged for them. Banners were to be fastened, and the royal road sprinkled clean. All doorkeepers and courtesans were to be adorned in their finest attire. Those bearing food and gifts were stationed in the second courtyard of the royal residence, as well as at temples and shrines. Those fit to bear garlands were assigned their places separately. Warriors with long swords and leather belts, fully armed and splendidly dressed, were to be present. The valiant men entered the great royal hall, and, following these instructions, the two Brahmins completed the arrangements. Everything was done as ordered. The Brahmins reported to the king, approaching Dasharatha, the lord of the world, and saying, “It is done.” Pleased and filled with joy at their faithful execution, the radiant king turned to Sumantra and said, “Let Rama, who is self-controlled, be brought here quickly by you.” Sumantra agreed and, at the king’s command, went to fetch Rama. Sumantra brought Rama in a chariot, himself the best among charioteers. As they sat together, Rama saw King Dasharatha. Gathered there were kings from the east, north, west, and south—foreigners, Aryans, and others dwelling in forests and mountains. All waited upon Dasharatha as the gods do upon Indra, and among them, the royal sage shone like Indra among the Maruts. Standing on the palace terrace, Dasharatha saw his son approaching, renowned in the world for his valor and resembling a king of the Gandharvas. Rama, long-armed and of great strength, moved like a proud elephant, his face radiant as a moonstone, exceedingly pleasing to behold. His beauty, nobility, and virtues captivated the eyes and hearts of men, delighting the people scorched by heat as rain delights the earth. Even as Rama approached, the king could not have enough of gazing at him. Sumantra helped Raghava descend from the excellent chariot. With joined palms, Sumantra followed behind Rama as he went toward his father. The joy of the Raghu line approached the palace, shining like a peak of Kailasa. Raghava swiftly ascended to see the king in the palace. Approaching with joined hands, he bowed before his father, announcing his own name. Rama bowed at his father's feet, and seeing him thus, the king drew his beloved son close, grasping his joined hands and offering him a splendid seat adorned with gems and gold. The king directed Rama to the highest, most beautiful seat. Having attained it, Raghava shone forth, his own radiance pure as the sun rising on Mount Meru, illumining the assembly and making it resplendent. Like the autumn sky, pure with planets and stars shining with the moon, so did the assembly glow; seeing his beloved son, the king was satisfied. He saw himself adorned, as if reflected in a spotless mirror. Then, the best of fathers spoke to his well-seated son, addressing him as Kashyapa might address Indra: “You are born of my chief queen, worthy in every way, and a worthy son. You are my beloved son, Rama, supreme in virtues; by your own qualities, you have won the hearts of these people. Therefore, under the star Pushya, receive the office of heir-apparent; for by nature and by choice, you have been found virtuous. 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, Rama’s friends, who were devoted to him and eager to please, quickly and with haste went to report to Kausalya. She then distributed gold, cows, and various kinds of jewels to those dear to her. After saluting the king, Raghava mounted his chariot and went 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 and, filled with joy, worshipped the gods. Now begins the fourth chapter. When the people had departed, the king again conferred with his ministers. After deliberation, that resolute king made his decision: “Tomorrow is the auspicious Pushya day; tomorrow my son, Rama, whose eyes are like lotus petals, will be consecrated as crown prince,” declared Dasharatha. Then, entering his inner chambers, King Dasharatha summoned the charioteer and instructed him, “Bring Rama here again.” The doorkeepers announced to Rama that he was being summoned once more. Upon hearing this, Rama became apprehensive. Quickly admitted, Rama spoke: “Tell me in full the reason for your coming.