In that auspicious hour, Kausalyā stood with her eyes closed, immersed in prayer, surrounded by Sumitrā, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa. News had reached her that her beloved son, Rāma, would be anointed as crown prince under the sacred Puṣya constellation. With her breath restrained and her mind steady, she meditated deeply upon Janārdana, seeking blessings for the momentous occasion. While Kausalyā was still engaged in her devotions, Rāma entered, approached her with reverence, and greeted her warmly, his words filling her heart with delight. “Mother,” he said, “my father has entrusted me with the duty of protecting the people. By his command, tomorrow I will be consecrated as crown prince.” He continued, “Sītā, too, must observe a fast tonight with me, for this is the instruction of my teachers and my father’s wish.” He gently requested, “Whatever auspicious rites are fitting for tomorrow’s consecration, please arrange them today for both me and Vaidehī.” Hearing this, Kausalyā was overwhelmed with joy, her long-cherished wish now fulfilled. Her voice choked with tears of happiness as she spoke to Rāma, “My child, may you live long. Your adversaries are vanquished. You, endowed with prosperity, bring joy not only to me but to all our 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.” As his mother spoke these words, Rāma turned towards his brother Lakṣmaṇa, who sat with joined palms in humility. With a gentle smile, 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, Rāma bowed to his mothers, took leave of Sītā, and returned to his own residence. Meanwhile, in the royal palace, King Daśaratha, having given Rāma instructions regarding the consecration, summoned the chief priest, Vasiṣṭha. The king addressed him respectfully, “O descendant of Kakutstha, go and have Rāma observe a fast today with his wife, for the sake of 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 mounted his excellent Brahminical chariot and set out to Rāma’s residence, intent on ensuring that the heroic and wise Rāma would observe the prescribed fast. Rāma, eager and full of respect, hurried out from his home to welcome the sage. He approached Vasiṣṭha near the chariot, took him by the hand, and personally helped him alight, showing the utmost humility. Pleased by Rāma’s reverence, the priest spoke kindly, his words bringing joy to Rāma’s heart. “Rāma, 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 thus instructed him, the pure and self-restrained sage guided Rāma and Vaidehī in observing the fast according to the prescribed ritual. After being duly honored by Rāma, the royal preceptor took his leave and departed from Rāma’s residence. Rāma, surrounded by his dear friends who spoke pleasant words, honored them and, after bidding them farewell, entered his house. At that time, his residence shone with happiness, filled with joyful men and women. It was like a lake blooming with lotuses, thronged with birds intoxicated by delight. From that radiant house, Vasiṣṭha emerged and saw the roads crowded with people. Throughout Ayodhyā, the royal streets were densely packed with groups of curious and eager citizens. The sound of the jubilant crowds along the royal road surged like the roar of the ocean, waves of joy filling the air. That day, Ayodhyā was resplendent—its streets freshly sprinkled and swept, adorned with garlands of forest flowers and tall banners on every house. 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 filled with joy, eagerly anticipated the great festival that would mark Ayodhyā’s glory. Through these throngs, the royal priest made his way, parting the crowds as he moved slowly toward the palace. Ascending the palace, which resembled a peak of white clouds, he approached King Daśaratha, as Bṛhaspati might approach Indra. The king, seeing Vasiṣṭha arrive, rose from his throne and, after seeking his counsel, informed him that all preparations had been completed. The assembly members, recognizing Vasiṣṭha’s stature, rose from their seats to honor the chief priest. Then, permitted by his guru, the king left the multitude of men and entered his inner chambers, like a lion entering a mountain cave. The palace, crowded with women adorned in splendid attire and shining like Indra’s own mansion, received the king as he entered, radiant as the moon rising into a sky filled with stars.