With eager haste, the messengers hurried to Queen Kausalyā, bearing the joyful news. Upon hearing it, Kausalyā—foremost among noble women—overflowed with generosity. She distributed gold, cows, and many kinds of jewels to those she cherished, her heart radiant with happiness. When this was done, and after saluting King Daśaratha, Rāma, the son of Raghu, mounted his chariot and returned to his splendid home, honored and accompanied by throngs of delighted citizens. The people, having heard the king’s pronouncement, were filled with jubilation, as if they had gained a great treasure. Taking leave of the king, they returned to their own homes, their hearts brimming with joy, and offered worship to the gods in gratitude. When the crowds had dispersed, King Daśaratha once again gathered his ministers for counsel. After thoughtful deliberation, the resolute king made his decision. “Tomorrow,” he declared, “is the auspicious day of Puṣya. Tomorrow, my son Rāma, whose eyes are like lotus petals, shall be consecrated as crown prince.” With this resolve, Daśaratha entered his inner chambers and summoned his charioteer. “Go,” he instructed, “and bring Rāma to me once more.” The doorkeepers conveyed the king’s summons to Rāma, who, upon hearing it, felt a sudden apprehension. Admitted swiftly, Rāma addressed the messenger, “Tell me fully the reason for your coming.” The charioteer replied, “The king wishes to see you. You may go, or not, as you see fit.” Moved by urgency, Rāma hastened again to the royal palace. When King Daśaratha heard of Rāma’s arrival, desiring to speak kindly, he had his son brought into the chamber. As Rāma entered, he saw his father from afar, and with joined palms, bowed deeply before him. The king raised his son up, embraced him with affection, and offered him a seat before speaking. “Rāma,” Daśaratha began, “I am old and have lived long, enjoying pleasures as I wished. I have performed hundreds of sacrifices, giving gifts as my heart desired. Today, O best of men, you are my cherished, incomparable son, born as I wished. I have given, learned, and achieved all that I desired. I have known happiness, and I am free of debts—to 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 crown prince. Yet today, I have seen ominous dreams—fiery meteors, with thunderous sounds, are falling from the sky. The astrologers tell me my star is afflicted by cruel planets: the Sun, Mars, and Rāhu. Such omens, they say, often foretell the king’s death and great calamity. “Therefore, Rāghava, before my mind becomes confused, you must be consecrated, for the thoughts of living beings are indeed fickle. The moon has reached Pūrvāṣāḍhā before Puṣya, and tomorrow, the astrologers will certainly announce the conjunction with Puṣya. So, be consecrated under Puṣya; my mind urges me strongly. Tomorrow, I will consecrate you as crown prince, O scorcher of foes. “From today, 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 great undertakings often encounter obstacles. Since Bharata is away from the city, the time for your consecration has come, in my view. Indeed, your brother Bharata is virtuous, honors his elder, is righteous, compassionate, and master of his senses. Yet, I believe the minds of men are unstable; but among the steadfast virtuous, their actions shine, O Rāghava.” Thus addressed and permitted to prepare for his consecration on the morrow, Rāma bowed to his father and departed for his own house. Following the king’s command, he entered his residence and immediately proceeded to his mother’s inner chambers. There, he beheld his mother Kausalyā, humble and clothed in fine linen, sitting silently in the shrine, praying for his prosperity. Sumitrā and Lakṣmaṇa were already present, and Sītā too had arrived, having heard the joyful news of Rāma’s impending consecration. Kausalyā stood there, eyes closed in meditation, surrounded by Sumitrā, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa. Hearing that her son would be anointed as crown prince under the Puṣya constellation, she restrained her breath and meditated upon Janārdana. While she was thus engaged in her observances, Rāma approached, greeted her with reverence, and spoke words that delighted her heart. “Mother, my father has appointed me to the duty of protecting the people. Tomorrow, as he commands, I will be consecrated. Sītā too must observe a fast tonight with me, as my teachers and father have instructed. Whatever auspicious rites are proper for tomorrow’s consecration, please arrange them today for me and for Vaidehī as well.” Thus, the preparations for Rāma’s consecration began, surrounded by the love and blessings of his family.