In the royal assembly, the atmosphere shimmered with a radiance like the autumn sky, clear and adorned with planets and stars, all aglow beneath the full moon. In that gathering, King Daśaratha, beholding his beloved son Rāma, felt his heart deeply satisfied. It was as though he gazed upon himself reflected in a spotless mirror, so complete was his joy and pride. Then, the king, the best of fathers, addressed his well-seated son with affection and solemnity. Speaking to Rāma as Kaśyapa might counsel Indra, Daśaratha said, “You are born of my chief queen, and in every way you are worthy—truly a worthy son. Rāma, you are my beloved, supreme in virtues; by your own noble qualities, you have won the hearts of all these people. Therefore, under the auspicious star Puṣya, you shall receive the office of heir-apparent, for by nature and by choice you have proven your virtue.” The king’s voice grew tender with concern. “Yet, though you are virtuous, out of affection I will speak for your good, my son: always remain humble, and keep your senses under control. Abandon the faults that arise from desire and anger; conduct yourself properly, both in private and in public. Win over all—from the ministers onward, and the people as well; gather great stores in the treasuries and armories. He who rules the earth with devoted and loving subjects has friends who rejoice as the gods do upon gaining nectar.” He concluded, “Therefore, my son, restrain yourself and act accordingly.” Rāma’s friends, devoted to him and eager to please, heard these words and, with haste, went to inform Queen Kausalyā. Overjoyed, Kausalyā distributed gold, cows, and various kinds of 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 if they had received a great prize. After taking leave of the king, they returned to their homes, their hearts brimming with happiness, and worshipped the gods in gratitude. Now begins the next part of the tale. When the people had departed, King Daśaratha again consulted with his ministers. After careful deliberation, the resolute king made his decision. He declared, “Tomorrow is the auspicious day of Puṣya; tomorrow my son Rāma, whose eyes are like lotus petals, will be consecrated as crown prince.” With this resolve, Daśaratha entered his inner chambers and summoned his charioteer. “Bring Rāma here again,” he instructed. The doorkeepers went to Rāma and announced that the king wished to see him. Upon hearing this, Rāma felt a sudden apprehension. Admitted quickly, he asked 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, hastened to the royal palace to see his father. When King Daśaratha learned of Rāma’s arrival, he, wishing to speak kindly, had him brought into his chamber. As the illustrious Rāghava entered, he saw his father from afar and bowed deeply with joined palms. The king raised him up, embraced him, offered him a seat, and spoke once more. “Rāma,” Daśaratha began, “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 all I desired. I have also experienced happiness and am free of debts to the gods, seers, ancestors, priests, and to myself.” He continued, “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 crown prince.” Then, with a note of concern, Daśaratha confided, “Moreover, today, O Rāma, 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—by the Sun, Mars, and Rāhu. Generally, when such omens arise, the king meets death or terrible calamity. Therefore, Rāghava, before my mind becomes confused, you must be consecrated, for the thoughts of living beings are indeed fickle.” He explained further, “Today, the moon has reached Pūrvāṣāḍhā before Puṣya; tomorrow, the 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.” Daśaratha then instructed, “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. Yet, I believe the minds of men are unstable; but among the virtuous who are steadfast in righteousness, their actions shine, O Rāghava.” Thus did Daśaratha, with love, caution, and wisdom, prepare his noble son Rāma for the sacred task ahead.