When King Daśaratha had spoken to Rāma, permitting and instructing him regarding the consecration to take place the next day, Rāma bowed respectfully to his father and departed for his own residence. Entering his home, mindful of the king’s command and the great honor about to be bestowed, he did not linger but immediately made his way to his mother’s inner chambers. There, in the sanctified space, he beheld his mother Kausalyā, seated humbly, clothed in fine linen, silent and absorbed in prayer. She sat before the household shrine, her heart full of hope, offering prayers for her son’s prosperity. Already present were Sumitrā and Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā too had arrived, having been brought there upon hearing the joyful tidings of Rāma’s impending consecration. At that moment, Kausalyā stood with her eyes closed, surrounded by Sumitrā, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa, immersed in meditation. She had heard that her beloved son would be anointed as crown prince under the auspicious Puṣya constellation, and, restraining her breath, she fixed her mind upon Janārdana, the Lord. While she was still engaged in these sacred observances, Rāma approached, offering her his reverent salutations. His words brought her delight as he announced, “Mother, my father has appointed me to the duty of protecting the people; tomorrow, by his command, I will be consecrated.” He added, “Sītā too must observe a fast tonight with me, as my teachers have instructed and my father has decreed. Whatever auspicious rites are proper for tomorrow’s consecration, please arrange them today for me and for Vaidehī as well.” Hearing these words, Kausalyā, whose cherished hope was at last to be fulfilled, was overcome with joy. Her voice trembled with emotion as she said, “My child Rāma, may you live long; your adversaries are vanquished. You, endowed with prosperity, bring joy to my kinsfolk and to Sumitrā as well. O son, you were indeed born under an auspicious star, for by your virtues you have pleased 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, my son.” Thus addressed by his mother, Rāma turned to his brother Lakṣmaṇa, who sat with joined palms in humility. Smiling gently, Rāma 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 to Lakṣmaṇa, Rāma bowed to his mothers, took leave of Sītā, and returned to his own residence. Meanwhile, after giving Rāma his instructions for the following day, King Daśaratha summoned the chief priest Vasiṣṭha and spoke to him: “O descendant of Kakutstha, go and have Rāma observe a fast today with his wife, O possessor of austerities, for the sake of auspiciousness and attainment of the kingdom.” The venerable Vasiṣṭha, foremost 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 heroic, wise, and ritual-knowing Rāma would observe the prescribed fast. Rāma, eager and full of respect, hastened out from his house to honor the sage upon his arrival. Approaching Vasiṣṭha near the chariot, Rāma took the sage by the hand and personally helped him alight. Seeing Rāma’s humility, the priest spoke kindly, delighting him with words fit for one so dear and deserving. “Rāma,” said Vasiṣṭha, “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 guided Rāma and Vaidehī in observing the fast according to the proper ritual. After being duly honored by Rāma, the royal preceptor took his leave and departed from the residence. Rāma, meanwhile, sat with his dear friends, who spoke pleasant words to him. He honored them and, after taking leave of them all, entered his house. At that time, Rāma’s home shone with joy, filled with men and women whose hearts were light, resembling a lake blooming with lotuses and thronged with jubilant birds. From that splendid residence, Vasiṣṭha made his way out and saw the road crowded with people. Throughout Ayodhyā, the royal avenues were packed with eager, curious citizens. The sound of the crowds, filled with waves of joyful anticipation, rose like the roar of the ocean. Ayodhyā itself appeared resplendent that day: the streets had been sprinkled and swept clean, adorned with garlands from the forest and tall banners on the houses. The city was crowded with women and children, all longing for Rāma’s consecration as eagerly as they awaited the sunrise. The people, adorned for the occasion and brimming with joy, were eager to witness the great festival. Thus, the royal priest Vasiṣṭha moved slowly through the thronging crowds along the royal road, making his way toward the palace as if parting a sea of people. Ascending a palace that shone like a peak of white clouds, he approached the king, just as Bṛhaspati would approach Indra.