Standing upon the terrace of his grand palace, King Daśaratha gazed out and saw his son approaching—a son renowned throughout the world for his valor, resembling a king among the Gandharvas. Rāma came forth, long-armed and mighty, moving with the majestic grace of a proud elephant. His face shone with the cool radiance of the moonstone, and he was a joy to behold. Rāma’s beauty, nobility, and virtue captivated all who saw him, enchanting both the eyes and hearts of the people. To the citizens, weary and scorched by the heat of worldly cares, his presence was as refreshing and delightful as rain upon parched earth. Even as Rāma drew near, Daśaratha could not have his fill of gazing at his beloved son. Then Sumantra, the faithful charioteer, assisted Rāghava as he descended from the splendid chariot. With palms joined in reverence, Sumantra followed behind as Rāma made his way toward his father. The joy of the Raghu dynasty approached the palace, shining with a radiance like the peak of Mount Kailāsa. Rāghava quickly ascended to the king’s presence, and, drawing near with hands joined, bowed before his father. Announcing his name, Rāma bowed at his father’s feet. Seeing his son thus—bowed, hands joined respectfully at his side—the king’s heart overflowed. He drew his beloved son close, grasping his joined hands warmly, and offered him a splendid seat adorned with gems and gold. Daśaratha directed Rāma to that beautiful, highest seat; and once seated, Rāghava shone forth brilliantly. By his own radiance, pure as the rising sun on golden Mount Meru, Rāma illumined the entire assembly, making it resplendent. Just as the autumn sky, clear and bright with planets and stars, glows when the moon is full, so did that royal hall shine with Rāma’s presence. Seeing his beloved son before him, the king felt utterly satisfied, as if adorned by his own reflection in a spotless mirror. Then, the best of fathers spoke to his well-seated son, his voice warm with love: “Rāma, you are born of my chief queen, worthy in every way, and a worthy son. You are my beloved, supreme in virtues; by your own noble qualities, you have won the hearts of all these people. Therefore, under the star Puṣya, receive the office of heir-apparent. By nature and by your own will, you have proven yourself virtuous.” “Yet, though you are virtuous, out of deep affection I offer you this counsel for your own good: always maintain humility, ever keep your senses under control. Abandon the faults that arise from desire and anger; conduct yourself with proper behavior, whether in private or in public. Win over all, from your ministers to the people themselves, and diligently amass great stores in the treasuries and armories. He who rules the earth with subjects who are devoted and loving finds his friends rejoicing, just as the gods rejoice upon 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 transpired. Overjoyed, Kausalyā, foremost among noble women, distributed gifts of gold, cows, and various jewels to those dear to her. After saluting the king, Rāghava mounted his chariot and returned to his splendid home, honored by crowds of admiring citizens. The people, having heard the king’s words, rejoiced as if they had gained a great treasure. After taking leave of the king, they returned to their homes, their hearts brimming with joy, and offered worship to the gods in gratitude. Now, hear the next part of the tale. When the people had departed, King Daśaratha again consulted closely with his ministers. After careful deliberation, the resolute king made his decision: “Tomorrow is the auspicious day of Puṣya. Tomorrow my son, Rāma, whose eyes are like lotus petals, will be consecrated as crown prince,” he declared. With this resolve, Daśaratha entered his inner chambers and summoned his charioteer, instructing him, “Bring Rāma here again.” The doorkeepers soon announced to Rāma that he was being summoned once more. At this, Rāma felt a stir of apprehension in his heart. When he was admitted, Rāma addressed the messenger: “Tell me fully 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, desiring to speak kindly, he had him brought into the chamber. As the illustrious Rāghava entered, he saw his father from afar and, with palms joined, bowed down before him. The king raised him up, embraced him lovingly, offered him a seat, and then spoke again to his son. “Rāma,” Daśaratha began, “I am old, long-lived, and have enjoyed the pleasures I desired. I have performed hundreds of sacrifices with abundant gifts, as I wished. Today, O best of men, you are my incomparable and cherished son, born as I wished. I have given, learned, and achieved all that I desired. O hero, I have also experienced happiness; I am free of all debts—to the gods, seers, ancestors, priests, and to myself. There is nothing left for me 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. Yet, today, O Rāma, I see ominous dreams—fiery meteors, with thunderous sounds, are falling from the sky.” Thus, the king spoke to his beloved son, setting the stage for the great events that were to unfold.