In the great hall of Ayodhyā, Rāma entered, his presence radiant and pure, shining like the sun rising on Mount Meru. His brilliance illumined the assembly, making it resplendent. The gathering, glowing like the autumn sky adorned with planets and stars, was further brightened by the moon-like presence of Rāma. Seeing his beloved son, King Daśaratha felt deep satisfaction. The king observed himself reflected in Rāma, as if gazing into a spotless mirror, and, adorned by his son’s virtues, the best of fathers spoke to Rāma, who was seated with dignity. With affection and reverence, Daśaratha addressed Rāma, as Kaśyapa might address Indra, saying, “You are born of my chief queen, worthy in every way, and a worthy son. You are my beloved, supreme in virtues; through your own qualities, you have won the hearts of these people.” He continued, “Therefore, under the auspicious star Puṣya, receive the office of heir-apparent, for by nature and by choice, you are virtuous.” Though Rāma was already virtuous, the king, out of deep affection, offered gentle counsel for his son’s welfare: “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, Rāma’s friends, devoted and eager to please him, quickly hastened to Kausalyā. She, filled with joy, distributed gold, cows, and various jewels to those dear to her. Kausalyā, foremost among noble women, gave these gifts generously. After saluting the king, Rāma mounted his chariot and returned to his splendid home, honored by crowds of people. The citizens, having heard the king’s proclamation, rejoiced as if they had gained a great prize. After taking leave of the king, they returned to their homes, filled with joy, and worshipped the gods. Now begins the fourth chapter. When the people had departed, King Daśaratha 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, Rāma, whose eyes are like lotus petals, will be consecrated as crown prince.” Entering his inner chambers, King Daśaratha summoned his charioteer and instructed, “Bring Rāma here again.” The doorkeepers announced to Rāma that he was being summoned once more. Upon hearing this, Rāma felt a sense of apprehension. He entered quickly and asked, “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 Rāma arrived, King Daśaratha, wishing to speak kindly, had him brought into the chamber. As the illustrious Rāghava entered, he saw his father from afar and, with joined palms, bowed down. The king raised him up, embraced him, offered him a seat, and spoke again to Rāma. “Rāma,” said Daśaratha, “I am old, long-lived, and have enjoyed pleasures as I wished. I have performed hundreds of sacrifices with abundant gifts, as 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 also experienced happiness; I am free of debts to the gods, seers, ancestors, priests, and to myself. I have nothing else 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. Moreover, today, O Rāma, I see ominous dreams; fiery meteors with thunderous sounds are falling down. Astrologers inform me that my star is afflicted by cruel planets—by the Sun, Mars, and Rāhu. Generally, when such omens arise, the king meets death and encounters terrible calamity. Therefore, Rāghava, before my mind becomes confused, you must be consecrated; for the thoughts of living beings are indeed fickle. Today, the moon has reached Pūrvāṣāḍhā before Puṣya; tomorrow, astrologers will certainly announce the conjunction with Puṣya. Therefore, be consecrated during Puṣya; my mind urges me strongly. Tomorrow, I will consecrate you as crown prince, O scorcher of foes. From today onward, you must spend the night, with self-restraint, together with your wife, lying upon a bed of darbha grass. Your friends, alert, will guard you today on all sides; for undertakings of this kind encounter many obstacles. Since Bharata is away from the city, the time for your consecration has arrived, in my opinion. Indeed, your brother Bharata follows the conduct of the virtuous; he honors his elder, is righteous, compassionate, and has mastered his senses.” Thus, with wisdom and affection, King Daśaratha prepared to fulfill his deepest wish: to see Rāma, his virtuous son, consecrated as crown prince, for the joy and welfare of the kingdom.