Rāma, adorned with ornaments and garments befitting the occasion, saw his own reflection shining in a spotless mirror. In that moment, his father, King Daśaratha—the best among men—addressed him as he sat respectfully before him. The king spoke to Rāma with affection and reverence, as Kaśyapa might speak to Indra himself: "You are born of my chief queen, worthy in every way, and a son who brings honor to our lineage." He continued, "You are my beloved son, Rāma, supreme in virtue. By your own noble qualities, you have won the hearts of all the people. Therefore, under the star Puṣya, you shall receive the office of heir-apparent; for you have been found virtuous, both by nature and by your own choices." Yet, out of deep paternal affection, Daśaratha offered further counsel. "Though you are virtuous, my son, I speak for your own good: always maintain humility and keep your senses under control. Abandon the faults that arise from desire and anger; conduct yourself with propriety, both in private and in public. Win over all—from your ministers onward—and the people as well. Amass great stores in the treasuries and armories, for he who rules the earth with devoted and loving subjects brings joy to his friends, just as the gods rejoice upon obtaining nectar." Daśaratha concluded, "Therefore, my son, restrain yourself and act accordingly." Having heard these fatherly instructions, Rāma's friends, who were devoted to him and eager to please, quickly went to Queen Kausalyā and reported all that had transpired. Overjoyed, Kausalyā, foremost among noble women, distributed gifts of gold, cows, and many kinds of jewels to those dear to her. After offering his salutations to the king, Rāma mounted his chariot and returned to his splendid home, honored by crowds of delighted citizens. The people, having heard the king’s words, rejoiced as if they had received a great prize. Taking leave of the king, they returned to their homes, filled with joy, and offered worship to the gods. Now, after 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 day of Puṣya. Tomorrow, my son Rāma, whose eyes are like lotus petals, will be consecrated as crown prince." With this decision, King Daśaratha entered his inner chambers and summoned the charioteer, instructing him, "Bring Rāma here again." The doorkeepers went to Rāma and announced that the king requested his presence once more. Hearing this unexpected summons, Rāma became apprehensive. Upon being admitted, he asked, "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 once more to the royal palace to see his father. Upon hearing of Rāma’s arrival, King Daśaratha, desiring to speak kindly, had him brought into the chamber. As Rāghava entered, he saw his father from afar and, with joined palms, bowed down in reverence. The king lovingly raised him up, embraced him, offered him a seat, and spoke again to his son. "Rāma," he said, "I am old and have lived a long life, enjoying 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 all that I sought. O hero, I have also experienced happiness, and 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." The king continued, "Today, all the people desire you as their king. Thus, my son, I will consecrate you as the crown prince. Moreover, today, Rāma, I have seen ominous dreams—fiery meteors, accompanied by thunderous sounds, are falling from the sky. The 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, before my mind becomes confused, you must be consecrated, for the thoughts of living beings are indeed fickle." He added, "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. 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." Daśaratha assured him, "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 addressed and permitted regarding the consecration to occur the next day, Rāma, after bowing to his father, departed for his house.