As Rāma entered his own residence, following the king’s command in preparation for his consecration, he did not linger there. Instead, he immediately made his way to his mother’s inner chambers. There, he beheld Kausalyā, his mother, sitting quietly in the family shrine. She was clothed in fine linen, her demeanor humble and silent, absorbed in prayer for her son’s prosperity. Already gathered there were Sumitrā and Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā too had arrived, having heard the joyful news of Rāma’s impending consecration. Kausalyā stood with her eyes closed, surrounded by Sumitrā, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa, all sharing in this sacred moment. Having learned that her beloved son would soon be anointed crown prince under the auspicious Puṣya constellation, Kausalyā, holding her breath in hopeful anticipation, meditated deeply upon Janārdana. While she was still immersed in her observances, Rāma approached quietly, greeted his mother with reverence, and spoke words that filled her heart with delight. “Mother,” he said, “my father has appointed me to the duty of protecting the people. Tomorrow, by his command, I will be consecrated. Sītā too must observe a fast tonight with me, as instructed by my teachers and by my father’s word. Please arrange all the auspicious rites that are appropriate for tomorrow’s consecration, both for me and for Vaidehī.” Hearing these words, Kausalyā’s long-cherished wish found fulfillment. Her voice trembled with tears of joy as she replied, “My child Rāma, may you live long; your adversaries are vanquished. You, endowed with prosperity, bring happiness to my kinsfolk and to Sumitrā as well. O son, truly you were born under a blessed 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.” As his mother spoke thus, Rāma turned his gaze to his brother, Lakṣmaṇa, who sat nearby with hands joined in humility. With a gentle smile, Rāma addressed him: “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.” After speaking to Lakṣmaṇa, Rāma bowed to his mothers, took leave of Sītā, and returned to his own residence. Meanwhile, in the palace, King Daśaratha, having instructed Rāma regarding the consecration, summoned the chief priest Vasiṣṭha and spoke to him: “Go, O descendant of Kakutstha, and have Rāma observe a fast today with his wife. O possessor of austerities, let this be done for auspiciousness and the attainment of the kingdom.” Vasiṣṭha, the best among those versed in the Vedas, replied, “So be it.” After addressing the king, the venerable sage made his way to Rāma’s residence, mounting his excellent Brahminical chariot to ensure that Rāma, wise and steadfast in ritual, would observe the prescribed fast. Hearing of the sage’s arrival, Rāma, eager and filled with respect, went out swiftly to honor him. He approached Vasiṣṭha near the chariot, and with humility, took the sage by the hand and personally helped him down. Pleased by Rāma’s humility, Vasiṣṭha spoke kindly, delighting him with words befitting one so dear and deserving. “Rāma,” he said, “your father is pleased with you and you shall obtain the kingdom. Today, together with Sītā, you should undertake a fast. Tomorrow, your father Daśaratha, out of affection, will anoint you as crown prince, just as Nahusha did for Yayāti.” Having spoken thus, the pure and self-restrained sage had Rāma and Vaidehī observe the fast according to the prescribed rituals. After being duly honored by Rāma, the royal preceptor took leave and departed from Rāma’s residence. Rāma then sat among his dear friends, who spoke to him with pleasant words. He honored them and, after taking leave of them all, entered his house. At that time, Rāma’s home shone with joy, filled with happy men and women, resembling a lake blooming with lotuses and alive with the songs of intoxicated birds. From that radiant house, Vasiṣṭha departed and beheld the roads crowded with eager people. Throughout Ayodhyā, the royal streets were dense with groups of curious citizens, the air alive with anticipation. The sound of the joyful crowds along the royal road rose like the roar of the ocean. The city itself gleamed, its streets freshly sprinkled and swept, adorned with garlands from the forest and tall banners on the houses. All of Ayodhyā’s people, crowded together with women and children, longed for Rāma’s consecration with the same eagerness as they awaited the sunrise. Adorned for the occasion and filled with joy, they yearned to witness the great festival that would soon unfold. Making his way through the thronging crowds, the royal priest Vasiṣṭha moved slowly toward the palace, as if parting the very sea of people. Ascending the palace, which shone like a peak of white clouds, he approached King Daśaratha, just as Bṛhaspati comes before Indra. Seeing Vasiṣṭha arrive, the king rose from his throne, welcomed him, and after seeking his counsel, informed him that all preparations had been accomplished. Thus, the stage was set in Ayodhyā for the joyous consecration of Rāma, awaited by all with hearts full of hope and celebration.