Even as Daśaratha’s decision brought joy, wise men reflected that the minds of people are ever changeful; only among the steadfast and virtuous do actions truly shine, O Rāghava. After receiving his father’s blessing and permission for the consecration to take place the following day, Rāma bowed deeply to Daśaratha and left the royal court. He entered his own residence, which had been specially prepared at the king’s command for the upcoming ceremony. Without delay, Rāma proceeded to the inner chambers of his mother, Kausalyā. There, he found his mother sitting humbly in the family shrine, clothed in fine linen, silent and absorbed in prayer for his well-being and prosperity. Sumitrā and Lakṣmaṇa had already arrived, and Sītā too had been brought there, her heart uplifted by the joyful news of Rāma’s impending consecration. Kausalyā stood with her eyes closed in deep meditation, surrounded by Sumitrā, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa. She had just heard that her beloved son would be anointed as crown prince under the auspicious Puṣya constellation, and with her breath stilled in devotion, she contemplated Janārdana. While she was still engaged in her sacred observances, Rāma entered, greeted his mother with reverence, and spoke words that filled her heart with delight: “Mother, my father has entrusted me with the duty of protecting the people, and tomorrow, by his command, I will be consecrated as crown prince. Sītā too must observe a fast with me tonight; so my teachers have instructed, and my father has confirmed. Please arrange all the auspicious rites needed for tomorrow’s consecration, for both me and Vaidehī.” Hearing this, Kausalyā, whose long-cherished wish was being fulfilled, was overcome with emotion. Her voice, choked with tears of joy, replied: “My child Rāma, may you live long! Your adversaries are vanquished. You, blessed with prosperity, bring happiness to all our kin and to Sumitrā as well. O son, you were surely born under a fortunate star, for by your virtues you have delighted your father, Daśaratha. Truly, my patience has not been in vain, O lotus-eyed one, for now the royal glory of the Ikṣvāku line will rest upon you.” Moved by his mother’s words, Rāma looked upon his brother Lakṣmaṇa, who sat nearby with joined palms in humility, and with a gentle smile said, “Lakṣmaṇa, rule this earth together with me! This royal fortune is yours as well, for you are as 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 respectfully to his mothers, took leave of Sītā, and returned to his own residence. Meanwhile, King Daśaratha, having instructed Rāma about the consecration, summoned the chief priest Vasiṣṭha and said, “Go, O descendant of Kakutstha, and have Rāma and his wife observe a fast today, for the sake of auspiciousness and attainment of the kingdom.” Vasiṣṭha, the best of those versed in the Vedas, replied, “So be it,” and departed for Rāma’s residence. He mounted his excellent Brahminical chariot and set out, intent on ensuring that the heroic, wise, and ritual-knowing Rāma would properly observe the prescribed fast. Hearing of the sage’s arrival, Rāma, eager and respectful, hurried out of his residence to honor Vasiṣṭha. He approached the chariot, greeted the sage with reverence, and personally helped him down, taking him by the hand. Seeing Rāma’s humility, the priest spoke kindly, delighting him with gentle words: “Rāma, your father is pleased with you and you shall obtain the kingdom. Today, together with Sītā, you must 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 spoken, the pure and self-restrained Vasiṣṭha had Rāma and Vaidehī observe the fast according to the sacred rites. Honored by Rāma, the royal preceptor took his leave and departed from Rāma’s residence. Rāma, surrounded by dear friends who spoke pleasant words, honored them all and, after taking leave, entered his house. At that time, Rāma’s home shone with joy, filled with men and women whose hearts overflowed with happiness—it was like a lake blooming with lotuses and alive with birds in the ecstasy of spring. From the splendid residence, Vasiṣṭha made his way out and saw the roads crowded with people. Throughout Ayodhyā, the royal roads were dense with groups of eager citizens, all abuzz with anticipation. The sound of the joyful crowds along the royal road was like the roar of the ocean itself. That day, Ayodhyā appeared resplendent—its streets had been swept and sprinkled, adorned with garlands from the forest and tall banners waving from every house. The city was thronged with women and children, all awaiting Rāma’s consecration as eagerly as they awaited the sunrise. The people, adorned for the occasion and filled with joy, longed to witness the great festival of Ayodhyā. Thus, the royal priest Vasiṣṭha, making his way through the packed royal road, moved slowly toward the palace, parting the sea of jubilant people as he went.