All the assembled ministers and courtiers attended upon King Daśaratha with devotion, just as the gods serve Indra. Amidst them, that royal sage shone with a brilliance like Indra among the Maruts, the storm deities. Standing upon the palace terrace, Daśaratha beheld his son Rāma approaching—a prince renowned throughout the world for his valor, radiant like a king among the Gandharvas. Rāma, long-armed and mighty, moved with the stately grace of a proud elephant. His face glowed with the cool radiance of moonstone, making him exceedingly pleasing to behold. His beauty, nobility, and virtues captivated the eyes and hearts of all who saw him. To the people, scorched by the heat of worldly cares, he brought delight as the rain brings relief to the parched earth. As Rāma drew near, the king could not tire of gazing at his beloved son. Sumantra, the charioteer, gently helped Rāghava descend from his splendid chariot. With hands joined in reverence, Sumantra followed behind Rāma as he made his way toward his father. The joy of the Raghu line approached the palace, shining like a peak of Mount Kailāsa. Swiftly ascending, Rāghava entered the palace to see the king. Approaching with joined hands, he bowed deeply before his father and announced his name, touching his father's feet in humility. Seeing his son bowed respectfully, the king’s heart overflowed with affection. He drew Rāma close, grasping his joined hands, and offered him a splendid seat adorned with gems and gold. Directing Rāma to that beautiful, highest seat, the king watched as Rāghava took his place and shone forth with his own radiance—pure as the sun rising on Mount Meru—illumining the entire assembly and making it resplendent. Just as the autumn sky, pure and bright with planets and stars, shines with the presence of the moon, so did the assembly glow with Rāma’s presence. Seeing his beloved son, the king felt fully satisfied, as if beholding himself in a spotless mirror. Then, the best of fathers spoke to his well-seated son, addressing him as Kaśyapa might speak to Indra: “You are born of my chief queen, worthy in every way, and a son worthy of me. Dearest Rāma, supreme in virtues, by your own noble qualities you have won the hearts of the people. Therefore, under the auspicious Puṣya star, you shall receive the office of heir-apparent, for by nature and by choice, you are virtuous.” “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 born of desire and anger; conduct yourself in private and 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 devoted and loving subjects, his friends rejoice as the gods do upon obtaining nectar. Therefore, my son, restrain yourself and act accordingly.” Hearing these words, Rāma’s friends, devoted to him and eager to please, hurried joyfully to Kausalyā and reported all that had been said. Kausalyā, foremost among noble women, distributed gold, cows, and various jewels to those dear to her, rejoicing in her son’s good fortune. Then, 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. Taking leave of the king, they returned to their homes, filled with happiness, and worshipped the gods in gratitude. When the people had departed, King Daśaratha again conferred with his ministers. After careful deliberation, the resolute king made his decision. “Tomorrow is the auspicious day of Puṣya,” he declared. “Tomorrow my son Rāma, whose eyes are like lotus petals, will be consecrated as crown prince.” With this decision, the king entered his inner chambers and summoned the charioteer. “Bring Rāma here again,” he instructed. The doorkeepers quickly went to Rāma and announced that he was being summoned once more. On hearing this, Rāma felt a sense of apprehension. Upon being admitted, he asked the messenger, “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, Rāma, filled with urgency, went again to the royal palace to see his father. When King Daśaratha heard that Rāma had arrived, he, wishing to speak kindly, had him brought into the chamber. As the illustrious Rāghava entered, he saw his father from afar and bowed with joined palms. The king raised him up, embraced him, offered him a seat, and spoke again: “Rāma, I am old, long-lived, and have enjoyed pleasures as I wished. I have performed hundreds of sacrifices with abundant gifts, as my heart desired. Today, O best of men, you are my incomparable and cherished son, born as I wished. I have given, learned, and achieved what I desired. O hero, I have experienced happiness and am free of debts to the gods, seers, ancestors, priests, and to myself. I have nothing left to do for you except your consecration. Therefore, whatever I tell you now, you ought to carry out for me. Today, all the people desire you as their king; thus, my son, I will consecrate you as the crown prince.