Hearing his father's instructions to restrain himself and act accordingly, Rāma’s devoted friends, eager to please him, swiftly hurried away. They made their way with haste to Queen Kausalyā and reported all that had transpired. Kausalyā, foremost among noble women, responded with generosity—she distributed gold, cows, and a variety of precious jewels to those dear to her, honoring them for their loyalty and service. After paying homage to the king, Rāma, the scion of the Raghu lineage, mounted his splendid chariot and returned to his magnificent home, honored and surrounded by crowds of people. The citizens, having heard the king’s words, rejoiced as if they had received a great treasure. With hearts full of joy, they took leave of the king, returned to their homes, and offered worship to the gods in gratitude and celebration. Now begins the next chapter of this auspicious tale. When the people had departed, King Daśaratha once again conferred with his trusted ministers. After careful deliberation, the resolute king made up his mind. “Tomorrow is the auspicious day of Puṣya,” he declared, “and my son Rāma, whose eyes are like lotus petals, will be consecrated as crown prince.” Having made this decision, the king entered his inner chambers and summoned his charioteer, instructing him to bring Rāma before him once more. The doorkeepers quickly conveyed the king’s summons to Rāma. Hearing this unexpected call, Rāma became apprehensive. When he was admitted, Rāma asked the doorkeepers, “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.” Filled with a sense of urgency, Rāma hastened to the royal palace to see his father. When King Daśaratha heard that Rāma had arrived, he instructed that his son be brought in, wishing to speak kindly to him. As Rāma entered the palace, he saw his father from afar and, with joined palms, bowed low in reverence. The king raised Rāma up, embraced him warmly, offered him a seat, and then spoke to his beloved son. “Rāma,” began the king, “I am old, long-lived, and have enjoyed all pleasures as I wished. I have performed hundreds of sacrifices, giving abundantly 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. I have 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 must carry out for me. “All the people desire you as their king. Thus, my son, I will consecrate you as the crown prince. Yet, today I have seen ominous dreams—fiery meteors with thunderous sounds are falling from the sky. The astrologers inform me that my star is afflicted by cruel planets: the Sun, Mars, and Rāhu. When such omens appear, it is said that the king may meet death and 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, 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, ever alert, will guard you on all sides, for such important undertakings are often beset with obstacles. Since your brother Bharata is away from the city, I believe the time for your consecration has arrived. Indeed, Bharata follows the conduct of the virtuous—he honors his elder, is righteous, compassionate, and has mastered his senses. Yet, I know that the minds of men are unstable; but among the virtuous who are steadfast in righteousness, their actions shine, O Rāghava.” Thus instructed and permitted regarding his consecration on the morrow, Rāma bowed deeply to his father and departed for his own residence. Following the king’s orders concerning the rites of consecration, Rāma immediately went to his mother’s inner chambers. There, he found Kausalyā, humble and dressed in fine linen, silent and seated in the shrine, praying earnestly for her son’s prosperity. Sumitrā and Lakṣmaṇa had already arrived, and Sītā too had come, having heard the joyful news of Rāma’s impending consecration. At that moment, Kausalyā stood with her eyes closed, surrounded by Sumitrā, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa. Hearing that her beloved son would be anointed as crown prince under the Puṣya constellation, she restrained her breath and meditated upon Janārdana, the Lord of all. While she was still engaged in her sacred observances, Rāma approached, greeted her with reverence, and spoke words that delighted her heart: “Mother, my father has entrusted me with the duty of protecting the people. Tomorrow, as per my father’s command, I will be consecrated as crown prince. Sītā too must observe a fast tonight with me, as my teachers have instructed and as my father has told me.