King Daśaratha, his heart moved by a powerful inner urge, spoke to his beloved son Rāma, “Therefore, let the consecration take place under the auspicious Puṣya constellation; my mind presses me strongly to do this. Tomorrow, O destroyer of foes, I will anoint you as crown prince.” He continued, “From this very night, you must observe self-restraint and, with your wife, sleep upon a bed of sacred darbha grass. This is the proper way as you prepare for the great occasion.” The king’s concern for Rāma’s safety was evident as he instructed, “Your friends, vigilant and devoted, will guard you on all sides tonight, for undertakings of this magnitude often attract obstacles.” He added thoughtfully, “With Bharata away from the city, the time for your consecration has come, in my judgment.” Praising Bharata’s qualities, Daśaratha said, “Indeed, your brother Bharata follows the path of the virtuous. He honors his elders, is righteous, compassionate, and has mastered his senses. Yet, I believe the minds of men are ever unstable. But among the steadfast and virtuous, their righteous deeds shine forth, O Rāghava.” Thus addressed and permitted to prepare for his consecration on the following day, Rāma bowed deeply to his father and departed for his home. Entering his residence, as instructed by the king, he immediately set out again and made his way to his mother’s inner chambers. There, he beheld his mother Kausalyā, humble and noble, clad in fine linen, seated in the family shrine, silently praying for his prosperity. By her side were Sumitrā and Lakṣmaṇa, who had already arrived, and Sītā, who had been brought there after hearing the joyous news of Rāma’s impending consecration. Kausalyā stood with her eyes closed, surrounded by Sumitrā, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa, her mind absorbed in prayer. Having heard that her son would be anointed as crown prince under the Puṣya star, she held her breath in meditation upon Janārdana. As she remained engaged in her sacred observances, Rāma approached, greeted her with reverence, and spoke words that filled her heart with joy: “Mother, my father has entrusted me with the duty of protecting the people. Tomorrow, by his 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 decreed. Whatever auspicious rites are appropriate for tomorrow’s consecration, please arrange them today for both me and Vaidehī.” Hearing these words, Kausalyā, whose long-cherished wish was now being fulfilled, replied with tears of joy choking her voice, “My child Rāma, may you live long; your adversaries are vanquished. Endowed with prosperity, you bring happiness to my kinsfolk and to Sumitrā as well. O son, you were born under a blessed star, for by your virtues you have pleased your father, Daśaratha. Truly, my patience has not been in vain, O lotus-eyed one, for the royal glory of the Ikṣvāku line will now rest upon you.” Thus addressed by his mother, Rāma turned to his brother Lakṣmaṇa, who sat humbly with joined palms, and spoke with a gentle smile, “Lakṣmaṇa, rule this earth together with me; this royal fortune has come to you as well, whom I regard as my second self. Saumitri, enjoy the pleasures and fruits of sovereignty. Both my life and this kingdom I desire for your sake.” Having spoken thus, Rāma bowed to his mothers, took leave of Sītā, and returned to his own residence. At this point, the narrative proceeds to the next chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. After instructing Rāma regarding the consecration for the following day, King Daśaratha summoned the chief priest Vasiṣṭha and addressed him: “Go, O descendant of Kakutstha, and have Rāma observe a fast today with his wife, O venerable one, for the sake of auspiciousness and the attainment of the kingdom.” Vasiṣṭha, the best among those versed in the Vedas, replied, “So be it.” Having addressed the king, he set out for Rāma’s residence, intent on ensuring that the heroic, wise, and ritual-knowing Rāma would properly observe the fast. Mounting his excellent Brahminical chariot, Vasiṣṭha departed. Rāma, eager and filled with respectful anticipation, came out of his residence to honor the great sage. Approaching Vasiṣṭha near his chariot, Rāma humbly took him by the hand and personally assisted him to alight. Pleased by Rāma’s humility, the priest spoke kindly, delighting him with words fitting for one so dear and deserving: “Rāma, your father is pleased with you, and you shall receive the kingdom. Today, together with Sītā, you must observe a fast. For tomorrow, your father Daśaratha, out of affection, will anoint you as crown prince, just as Nahusha did for Yayāti.” Having thus spoken, the pure and self-restrained sage guided Rāma and Vaidehī in observing the prescribed fast according to the sacred ritual. After being duly honored by Rāma, the royal preceptor took his leave and departed from Rāma’s residence. Rāma, seated with his dear friends who offered him pleasant words, honored them in return. Having taken leave of them all, he entered his house. At that time, Rāma’s residence shone with joyful men and women, like a lake blooming with lotuses and filled with jubilant birds. From that resplendent home, which resembled a royal palace, Vasiṣṭha stepped out and beheld the roads crowded with people. Throughout Ayodhyā, the royal avenues were densely packed on all sides with groups of eager citizens, all abuzz with anticipation for the glorious event to come.