The royal attendants, having faithfully carried out all the king’s instructions, returned to him and, approaching the lord of the world, respectfully announced, “It is done.” King Dasharatha, radiant and filled with joy at their devoted service, turned to Sumantra, his trusted charioteer. With gratitude, the king said, “Let Rama, who is self-controlled, be brought here quickly by you.” Sumantra agreed and, acting on the king’s command, departed at once. Soon, Sumantra returned, bringing Rama in a chariot, skillfully guiding it as the finest among charioteers. As they arrived, Rama and Sumantra sat together, and Rama gazed upon King Dasharatha. The court was filled with kings from every direction—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 to Indra, and among them, the royal sage shone with a majesty like Indra among the Maruts. Standing on the palace terrace, Dasharatha saw his son approaching—Rama, famed throughout the world for his valor, radiant like a king of the Gandharvas. Rama, long-armed and strong, moved with the grace of a proud elephant; his face glowed like moonstone, and he was exceedingly pleasing to behold. His beauty, nobility, and virtues captivated the eyes and hearts of all, delighting the people as rain refreshes the parched earth. As Rama drew near, Dasharatha could not tire of gazing at him. Sumantra then assisted Rama in descending from the excellent chariot. With joined palms, Sumantra followed behind Rama as he walked toward his father. The joy of the Raghu line entered the palace, shining like a peak of Kailāsa. Rama swiftly ascended to see the king, and, approaching with joined hands, bowed reverently before his father. Announcing his own name, Rama bowed at Dasharatha’s feet. Seeing his son bow with joined hands, the king drew Rama close, grasping his hands, and offered him a splendid seat adorned with gems and gold. Directing Rama to the highest, most beautiful seat, Dasharatha watched as Rama, seated there, shone forth. Rama’s own radiance, pure as the sun rising on Mount Meru, illumined the assembly, making it resplendent. Like the autumn sky, pure and bright with planets and stars shining alongside the moon, so did the assembly glow with Rama’s presence. Dasharatha, seeing his beloved son, felt fully satisfied. He saw himself reflected in Rama, as if 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 Rama, 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, for by nature and by choice you have been found virtuous.” Dasharatha continued, “Yet, though you are virtuous, out of affection I will speak for your good, my son: always maintain humility and keep your senses under control. Abandon the faults arising from desire and anger; conduct yourself with proper behavior both in private and in public. 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 the king’s words, Rama’s friends, devoted to him and eager to please, quickly went and reported the news to Kausalyā. Overjoyed, Kausalyā, the foremost among noble women, distributed gold, cows, and various jewels to those dear to her. After saluting the king, Rama 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 Dasharatha, they returned to their homes, filled with joy, and worshipped the gods. Now begins the fourth chapter. When the people had departed, King Dasharatha again conferred with his ministers. After careful deliberation, the resolute king made his decision. He declared, “Tomorrow is the auspicious Puṣya day; tomorrow my son, Rama, whose eyes are like lotus petals, will be consecrated as crown prince.” With this resolve, Dasharatha entered his inner chambers and summoned the charioteer, instructing him, “Bring Rama here again.” The doorkeepers announced to Rama that he was being summoned again. Hearing this, Rama felt a sense of apprehension. Quickly admitted, Rama spoke, “Tell me in full the reason for your coming.” The charioteer replied, “The king wishes to see you; after hearing this, you may go or not as you see fit.” Hearing these words, Rama, filled with urgency, went again to the royal palace to see his father. Upon learning that Rama had arrived, Dasharatha, wishing to speak kindly, had him brought into the chamber. As the illustrious Rama entered his father’s palace, he saw Dasharatha from afar and, with joined palms, bowed down. The king raised him up as he bowed, embraced him, offered him a seat, and then spoke again to Rama.