Rāma’s mother, filled with affection and pride, blessed her son, “My child Rāma, may you live long. Your adversaries are vanquished, and you, endowed with prosperity, bring joy not only to my own heart but to all our kinsfolk and to gentle Sumitrā as well. O son, you were surely born under an auspicious star, for by your virtues you have pleased your father, King Daśaratha.” With a heart swelling with satisfaction, she continued, “Truly, my patience has not been in vain, O lotus-eyed one. Now, this 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 before him with joined palms, humble and devoted. Smiling gently, Rāma spoke, “Lakṣmaṇa, rule this earth together with me. This royal fortune has come to you, whom I consider my very 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 respectfully bowed to his mothers, took leave of Sītā, and then made his way to his own residence. Meanwhile, in the royal palace, King Daśaratha, having given Rāma instructions concerning the forthcoming consecration, summoned the venerable chief priest, Vasiṣṭha. The king addressed the sage, “Go, O descendant of Kakutstha, and have Rāma observe a fast today with his wife, O possessor of austerities, for the sake of auspiciousness and the attainment of the kingdom.” Vasiṣṭha, best among those versed in the Vedas, replied, “So be it.” After addressing the king, the venerable sage set out for Rāma’s residence, intent on guiding the heroic and wise prince in the prescribed ritual. Vasiṣṭha mounted his excellent Brahminical chariot and proceeded to Rāma’s house. When Rāma heard of the sage’s arrival, he emerged from his residence with respectful haste, eager to honor one so worthy. Drawing near the chariot, Rāma took Vasiṣṭha by the hand and personally assisted him to alight. Seeing Rāma’s humility, the priest spoke kindly, delighting him with words befitting one so dear and deserving: “Rāma, 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 deep affection, will anoint you as crown prince, just as Nahusha once did for Yayāti.” Having spoken thus, the pure and self-restrained sage instructed Rāma and Vaidehī in the proper observance of the fast, guiding them through the rites. When the rituals were complete, Rāma honored Vasiṣṭha with due reverence, and the royal preceptor, taking his leave, departed from Rāma’s residence. Rāma then sat with his dear friends, listening to their pleasant words and honoring them before bidding them farewell and entering his house. At this time, Rāma’s home shone with joy, filled with delighted men and women, radiant like a lake blooming with lotuses and alive with the calls of intoxicated birds. As Vasiṣṭha left the splendid residence, he saw the roads outside crowded with people. Throughout Ayodhyā, the royal streets were densely packed with throngs of citizens, all eager and curious. The sound of the jubilant crowds along the royal road rose like the roar of the ocean. That day, Ayodhyā appeared resplendent, its streets swept and sprinkled, adorned with garlands from the forest and tall banners fluttering from the houses. The people, women and children among them, longed for Rāma’s consecration as eagerly as they awaited the sunrise. Dressed in their finest and filled with joy, they yearned to witness the great festival that would unfold. Vasiṣṭha, making his way through the teeming royal road, moved slowly toward the palace, parting the sea of people as he went. Ascending the palace, which gleamed like a peak of white clouds, the sage approached King Daśaratha, much as Bṛhaspati would come to Indra. Seeing the priest arrive, the king rose from his throne, greeted him with respect, and, after inquiring his opinion, informed him that all preparations had been accomplished. The assembly, honoring the chief priest, rose from their seats as well. Then, permitted by his guru, the king left the multitude and entered the inner chambers, like a lion entering a mountain cave. The palace he entered was crowded with women in splendid attire, resembling Indra’s own mansion, and the king shone among them 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 Sītā, approached the deity Nārāyaṇa. Holding the vessel of oblation, he offered clarified butter into the blazing fire as prescribed by the rite. Having partaken of the remainder of the oblation, and wishing for his own well-being, he seated himself on sacred grass and meditated upon Lord Nārāyaṇa. As the night wore on and only one watch remained before dawn, Rāma awoke and had his house thoroughly adorned in accordance with custom. Seated for early morning worship, he listened to the pleasant words of bards, genealogists, and panegyrists, reciting prayers with full concentration. He praised and bowed his head to Madhusūdana, and, clothed in pure linen, had the Brāhmaṇas recite the sacred Vedas, preparing himself with devotion and discipline for the auspicious day to come.