As preparations for Rāma’s consecration drew near, he called for the auspicious rites to be arranged—not only for himself, but also for Vaidehī, his beloved Sītā. Hearing Rāma’s request, Kausalyā, his mother, felt her heart swell with joy; her voice trembled, choked by tears as her long-cherished wish was at last coming true. “My child Rāma,” she said, blessing him, “may you live long. Your adversaries are vanquished. You, endowed with prosperity, bring happiness to my kinsfolk and to Sumitrā as well. Surely you were born under an auspicious star, for your virtues have pleased your father, Daśaratha. My patience has not been in vain, O lotus-eyed one, for the royal glory of the Ikṣvāku line will now rest upon you.” Rāma listened to his mother’s words, then turned to his brother Lakṣmaṇa, who sat nearby with joined palms in humility. With a gentle smile, Rāma spoke: “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 palace, King Daśaratha summoned the chief priest, Vasiṣṭha, instructing him regarding the consecration to be held the next day. “Go, O descendant of Kakutstha,” Daśaratha said, “and have Rāma observe a fast today with his wife, for the sake of auspiciousness and attainment of the kingdom.” Vasiṣṭha, venerable and learned in the Vedas, replied, “So be it,” and, addressing the king, departed for Rāma’s residence. To ensure the heroic and wise Rāma observed the prescribed fast, Vasiṣṭha mounted his excellent Brahminical chariot and set out. Rāma, eager and respectful, hurried from his residence to greet the sage, knowing him worthy of honor. He approached the chariot, took Vasiṣṭha by the hand, and personally helped him down. Seeing Rāma’s humility, the priest spoke kindly, delighting him with words befitting one dear and deserving. “Rāma,” Vasiṣṭha 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.” With these words, the pure and self-restrained sage had Rāma and Vaidehī observe the prescribed fast according to ritual. After being honored by Rāma, Vasiṣṭha took leave and departed. Rāma, seated among his dear friends who spoke pleasant words, honored them and, after taking leave, entered his house. At that time, Rāma’s residence shone, filled with joyful men and women, like a lake blooming with lotuses and thronged with intoxicated birds. Meanwhile, Vasiṣṭha left Rāma’s palace and saw the road crowded with people. Throughout Ayodhyā, the royal roads were densely packed with groups of curious citizens. The sound of the crowds, filled with waves of joy, echoed like the roar of the ocean. That day, Ayodhyā’s streets were sprinkled and swept, adorned with garlands from the forest and tall banners on houses, shining splendidly. The people, crowded with women and children, longed for Rāma’s consecration as eagerly as they awaited the sunrise. Adorned and filled with joy, they looked forward to witnessing the great festival. Vasiṣṭha made his way slowly through the crowded royal road, parting the mass of people, and ascended a palace that resembled a peak of white clouds. He approached the king like Bṛhaspati coming to Indra. Seeing Vasiṣṭha arrive, Daśaratha rose from his throne, sought his opinion, and informed him that all preparations had been accomplished. The assembly members, equal in stature, rose to honor the chief priest. Permitted by his guru, Daśaratha left the multitude and entered the inner chambers, like a lion entering a mountain cave. The palace, crowded with women adorned in splendid attire and resembling Indra’s own mansion, welcomed the king, who shone beautifully like the moon entering a sky filled with stars. When the chief priest had departed, Rāma, having bathed and with a disciplined mind, together with his wide-eyed wife, approached Nārāyaṇa. Holding the vessel of oblation in his hands and following the rite, he offered clarified butter to the great deity into the blazing fire. Having eaten the remainder of the oblation, wishing for his own good, he sat meditating on Nārāyaṇa upon a seat spread with sacred grass. When only one watch of the night remained, Rāma awoke and had his house thoroughly adorned according to proper custom, preparing for the auspicious day that was to come.