Kausalyā, foremost among noble women, bestowed gifts upon those dear to her and, after paying respects to the king, watched as Rāghava mounted his chariot and returned to his splendid home, honored by the crowds who gathered around him. The citizens, having heard the king’s words, rejoiced as if they had gained a great treasure; after taking leave of the king, they returned to their homes, their hearts full of joy, and offered worship to the gods. Now, listen to the next part of the story. After the people had dispersed, King Daśaratha once again conferred with his ministers. Following their deliberation, that resolute king reached a firm 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, King Daśaratha entered his inner chambers and summoned his charioteer, instructing him to bring Rāma to his presence once more. The doorkeepers conveyed the king’s summons to Rāma, and upon hearing it, Rāma felt a sense of apprehension. When he was admitted quickly, Rāma 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 a sense of urgency, hurried again to the royal palace to see his father. When King Daśaratha heard that Rāma had arrived, wishing to speak kindly to his son, he had him brought into his private chamber. As the illustrious Rāghava entered, he saw his father from afar and, with hands joined in reverence, bowed down before him. The king raised him up, embraced him warmly, offered him a seat, and then began to speak. “Rāma,” said Daśaratha, “I am old, long-lived, and have enjoyed all the pleasures I wished for. I have performed hundreds of sacrifices, giving abundant gifts, just as I 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 set my heart upon. O hero, I have also experienced happiness and 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. “Today, all the people desire you as their king; thus, my son, I will consecrate you as crown prince. Moreover, today I see 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 faces death or terrible calamity. Therefore, Rāghava, before my mind becomes confused, you must be consecrated, for the hearts 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, alert, will guard you on all sides, for undertakings of this kind often face many obstacles. Since Bharata is away from the city, the time for your consecration has arrived, in my opinion. Your brother Bharata, indeed, 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 on the morrow, Rāma, after bowing to his father, departed for his house. Entering his own residence as directed by the king, he at once went out and proceeded to his mother’s inner chambers. There, he saw his mother Kausalyā—humble, draped in fine linen, silent and seated in the shrine, praying for prosperity. Sumitrā and Lakṣmaṇa had already arrived there, and Sītā too had come, having heard the joyful news of Rāma’s impending consecration. At that time, Kausalyā stood there with closed eyes, surrounded by Sumitrā, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa. Hearing that her son would be anointed as crown prince under the Puṣya constellation, she, restraining her breath, meditated upon Janārdana. While she was still 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 I will be consecrated, as per my father’s command. Sītā too must observe a fast tonight with me; thus have my teachers instructed me, for my father has told me so. Whatever auspicious rites are appropriate for tomorrow’s consecration, please arrange those today for me and for Vaidehī as well.” Hearing these words, Kausalyā—whose long-cherished wish was being fulfilled—spoke to Rāma, her voice choked with tears of joy.