Rāma, whose long arms and remarkable strength lent him the majestic gait of a proud elephant, moved with a grace that captivated all who beheld him. His face, radiant like moonstone, shone with a gentle brilliance, making him exceedingly pleasing to the eye. With beauty, nobility, and virtues that enchanted both the eyes and hearts of men, Rāma brought joy to the people, who, wearied by the harshness of life, found relief in his presence just as the parched earth delights in the coming of rain. As Rāma approached, King Daśaratha could not tire of gazing at his beloved son. Sumantra, the loyal charioteer, assisted Rāghava in descending from his splendid chariot. With hands respectfully joined, Sumantra followed behind as Rāma made his way toward his father. The joy of the Raghu dynasty entered the palace, resplendent as a peak of Mount Kailāsa. Rāghava swiftly ascended to the palace to see the king. Approaching with hands joined in reverence, he bowed low before his father, announcing his own name as he touched Daśaratha’s feet. Seeing Rāma thus bowed, with humility and devotion, the king’s heart overflowed with affection. He drew his beloved son close, grasping his joined hands, and offered him a splendid seat adorned with gems and gold. Directing Rāma to that exalted seat, the king watched as his son, now seated, shone with a brilliance all his own. The radiance of Rāma, pure as the sun rising over Mount Meru, illumined the entire assembly, making it resplendent. Just as the autumn sky, clear and adorned with planets and stars, glows in the presence of the full moon, so too did the assembly gleam with Rāma’s presence. The king, beholding his beloved son, felt utterly satisfied, as if he saw his own image reflected in a spotless mirror. Then, the best of fathers spoke to his well-seated son, addressing him as Kaśyapa might address Indra: “You, born of my chief queen, are worthy in every way—a son who brings honor to his lineage. You are my dearly beloved Rāma, supreme in virtues; by your own qualities, you have won the hearts of the people.” The king continued, “Therefore, under the auspicious star Puṣya, receive the office of heir-apparent. Both by nature and by your own choices, you have proven yourself virtuous. Yet, though you are already virtuous, out of deep affection I wish to offer you some advice for your own good: always maintain humility, and keep your senses under control. Abandon the faults that arise from desire and anger, and conduct yourself with propriety, both in private and in public. Win over all—from your ministers to the common people—and amass great stores in the treasuries and armories.” “He who rules the earth with subjects who are devoted and loving finds his friends rejoicing, as the gods rejoice upon obtaining nectar. Therefore, my son, restrain yourself and act accordingly.” Having heard these words, Rāma’s devoted friends, eager to please him, hurried to Kausalyā. Hearing the joyful news, Kausalyā, foremost among noble women, distributed gold, cows, and many precious 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 though they had gained a great treasure. After taking leave of the king, they returned to their homes, filled with joy, and offered worship to the gods. Now, listen to the next part of the story. When the people had departed, King Daśaratha again consulted 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, the king entered his inner chambers and summoned the charioteer, instructing him, “Bring Rāma here again.” The doorkeepers announced to Rāma that he was being summoned once more. Hearing this, Rāma felt a sense of apprehension. Quickly admitted, Rāma asked, “Tell me in full the reason for your coming.” The charioteer replied, “The king wishes to see you; after hearing this, you may choose to go or not as you wish.” Hearing these words, Rāma, now filled with urgency, went again to the royal palace to see his father. Upon learning of Rāma’s arrival, King Daśaratha, eager to speak kindly, had him brought into his presence. 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 all pleasures as I wished. I have performed hundreds of sacrifices, giving generously 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 all that I desired. O hero, I have also experienced happiness; I am free of 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.” He continued, “Today, all the people desire you as their king; so, my son, I will consecrate you as the crown prince. Moreover, today I have seen ominous dreams—fiery meteors with thunderous sounds are falling from the sky. Astrologers inform me that my star is afflicted by cruel planets: the Sun, Mars, and Rāhu.