King Daśaratha, his heart heavy with concern, summoned Rāma and spoke with earnestness. “Rāma,” he said, “the royal astrologers have informed me that my star is afflicted by cruel planets—the Sun, Mars, and Rāhu. Such omens, my son, generally foretell death for the king and the arrival of great calamity. Therefore, before my mind is clouded by confusion, you must be consecrated as crown prince. The thoughts of living beings are indeed fickle, and time waits for no one. “Today, the moon has entered Pūrvāṣāḍhā before Puṣya; tomorrow, the astrologers will certainly announce its conjunction with Puṣya. Therefore, my mind urges me strongly—be consecrated during Puṣya. Tomorrow, I shall anoint you as the heir apparent, O Rāghava, scorcher of foes. “From today onward, you and Sītā must observe self-restraint and spend the night together, lying upon a bed of sacred darbha grass. Your friends, alert and vigilant, will guard you on all sides, for undertakings of this kind often encounter obstacles. Since Bharata is away from the city, I believe the time for your consecration has arrived. “Your brother Bharata follows the conduct of the virtuous. He honors his elder brother, is righteous, compassionate, and has mastered his senses. Yet, I know well the minds of men are unstable; but among the virtuous who are steadfast in righteousness, their actions shine brightly, O Rāghava.” Having thus been addressed and permitted by his father to prepare for the consecration on the morrow, Rāma bowed to Daśaratha and departed for his own house. As ordered by the king, he entered his residence, but without delay he made his way to his mother’s inner chambers. There he saw his mother, Kausalyā, humble and silent, dressed in fine linen, seated in the family shrine, praying earnestly for prosperity. Sumitrā and Lakṣmaṇa were already present, and Sītā too had arrived, her heart filled with joy at the news of Rāma’s impending consecration. Kausalyā stood there with closed eyes, surrounded by Sumitrā, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa, restraining her breath and meditating upon Janārdana, grateful that her son would be anointed as crown prince under the auspicious Puṣya constellation. As she continued her observances, Rāma approached, greeted her with reverence, and spoke gently, bringing delight to her heart: “Mother, my father has entrusted me with the duty of protecting the people. As per his command, tomorrow I will be consecrated as crown prince. Sītā too must observe a fast tonight with me; my teachers have instructed me so, and my father has confirmed it. Please arrange whatever auspicious rites are appropriate for tomorrow’s consecration, for both me and Vaidehī.” Hearing these words, Kausalyā, whose long-cherished wish was being fulfilled, was overcome with emotion. Tears of joy choked her voice as she replied, “My child Rāma, may you live long! Your adversaries are vanquished. You, endowed with prosperity, bring joy to my kin and to Sumitrā as well. Truly, you were born under an auspicious star, for by your virtues you have pleased your father, Daśaratha. My patience has not been in vain, O lotus-eyed one, for now the royal glory of the Ikṣvāku line will rest upon you, my son.” Thus addressed by his mother, Rāma looked upon his brother Lakṣmaṇa, who sat with joined palms in humility, and with a gentle smile said, “Lakṣmaṇa, rule this earth together with me. This royal fortune has come to you, whom I consider my second self. Saumitri, enjoy the pleasures and fruits of sovereignty; both my life and the kingdom I desire for your sake.” Having thus spoken, Rāma bowed to his mothers, took leave of Sītā, and returned to his own residence. At this time, King Daśaratha, having instructed Rāma about the consecration, summoned the chief priest Vasiṣṭha and addressed him: “O descendant of Kakutstha, go and ensure that Rāma observes a fast today with his wife, O possessor of austerities, for the sake of auspiciousness and attainment of the kingdom.” The venerable Vasiṣṭha, best among those versed in the Vedas, replied, “So be it.” Having addressed the king, the sage mounted his excellent Brahminical chariot and made his way to Rāma’s residence, intent on ensuring that the wise and heroic Rāma would observe the prescribed fast. Rāma, eager and respectful, went out from his house to greet the sage, whom he held in the highest honor. Hastening to the chariot, he took Vasiṣṭha by the hand and personally helped him alight. Seeing Rāma’s humility, the priest spoke kindly, delighting him with words befitting one so dear and deserving. “Rāma, your father is pleased with you, and you shall obtain the kingdom. Today, together with Sītā, you should undertake a fast. For tomorrow, your father Daśaratha, out of affection, will anoint you as crown prince, just as Nahusha did for Yayāti.” Having thus instructed him, the pure and self-restrained sage had Rāma and Vaidehī observe the prescribed fast according to the ritual. Then, having been duly honored by Rāma, the royal preceptor took his leave and departed from Rāma’s residence, his heart pleased with the noble prince’s steadfastness and virtue.