After instructing Rāma about his impending consecration as crown prince, King Daśaratha summoned his chief priest, the venerable Vasiṣṭha. With great care, the king addressed the sage, saying, “O descendant of Kakutstha, for the sake of auspiciousness and the attainment of the kingdom, go now and have Rāma, together with his wife, observe a fast today. You, who are steadfast in austerity, know well what is to be done.” Vasiṣṭha, the foremost among those learned in the Vedas, respectfully accepted the king’s command. Without delay, he made his way to Rāma’s residence, determined to guide the heroic and wise prince in observing the prescribed fast. Mounting his excellent Brahminical chariot, the steadfast sage set out on his sacred errand. When Rāma heard of the sage’s arrival, he was filled with eagerness and respect. He quickly came out of his home, hurrying to honor the revered Vasiṣṭha. Approaching the chariot, Rāma personally took the priest’s hand and helped him descend, his humility shining forth. Seeing Rāma’s reverence, Vasiṣṭha spoke to him with gentle, affectionate words, delighting the prince. “Rāma,” he said, “your father is pleased with you. You shall soon obtain the kingdom. Today, together with Sītā, you must undertake a fast. For tomorrow, out of deep affection, your father Daśaratha will anoint you as crown prince, just as Nahusha once did for Yayāti.” Having spoken thus, the pure and self-restrained sage guided Rāma and Vaidehī (Sītā) in observing the fast according to the proper rituals. When the rites were complete and he had been duly honored by Rāma, Vasiṣṭha took his leave and departed from Rāma’s residence. Afterwards, Rāma sat with his dear friends, who spoke to him with pleasant words. Honoring each of them and taking leave, he entered his house. At that moment, Rāma’s home glowed with happiness, filled with joyful men and women. It was as resplendent as a lake blooming with lotuses, alive with the song of delighted birds. As Vasiṣṭha left Rāma’s palace, he saw the roads outside crowded with people. Throughout Ayodhyā, the royal avenues were thick with groups of curious citizens, gathered on all sides. The joyful sound of the crowds, swelling along the royal road, echoed like the roar of the ocean. That day, Ayodhyā was radiant: its streets were swept and sprinkled, adorned with garlands of forest flowers and banners fluttering from tall houses. The city seemed to shine with anticipation. The people—men, women, and children—longed for Rāma’s consecration as eagerly as they awaited the sunrise. Dressed in their finest, hearts brimming with joy, they prepared to witness the great festival that would soon unfold in Ayodhyā. Moving slowly through the dense throng, the royal priest made his way along the crowded avenue toward the palace, parting the sea of people as he went. Ascending the palace, which gleamed like a peak of white clouds, Vasiṣṭha approached King Daśaratha, just as Bṛhaspati would approach Indra. The king, seeing the sage arrive, rose from his throne and, after seeking his counsel, informed him that all had been accomplished as instructed. Out of respect, the entire royal assembly rose to honor the chief priest. With his guru’s permission, Daśaratha left the multitude and entered the inner chambers, like a lion retreating into a mountain cave. The palace itself, crowded with splendidly adorned women and dazzling like Indra’s heavenly mansion, welcomed the king, who shone as beautifully as the moon entering a sky full of stars. Now, when the chief priest had departed, Rāma, his mind disciplined and his body purified by a sacred bath, together with his wide-eyed wife Sītā, approached Nārāyaṇa in devotion. Holding the vessel of oblation, Rāma offered clarified butter into the blazing fire according to the proper rites, worshipping the great deity. He then partook of the remainder of the oblation, seeking his own well-being, and sat in meditation on Nārāyaṇa, seated upon sacred grass. As the night wore on, with only one watch remaining, Rāma awoke and had his house thoroughly adorned in accordance with tradition. Surrounded by the pleasant words of bards, genealogists, and panegyrists, he sat for early morning worship, reciting prayers with full concentration. He praised and bowed to Madhusūdana, and, dressed in pure linen, had the Brāhmaṇas recite the Vedas. The deep, sweet, and auspicious chanting of the Brāhmaṇas, accompanied by the music of instruments, filled Ayodhyā with joy. News quickly spread that Rāghava and Vaidehī had completed their fast, and the people of Ayodhyā rejoiced. As the night ended and the news of Rāma’s consecration reached every corner, the townspeople began to adorn the city. Temples shining like white cloud-peaks, crossroads, streets, shrines, and balconies were all decorated. Shops brimmed with goods, and the splendid homes of householders gleamed with prosperity. Assembly halls and even unmarked trees were festooned with flags and banners. Troupes of actors, dancers, and singers performed, filling the air with music and words pleasing to the mind and ear. Everywhere, in squares and homes alike, people spoke of Rāma’s consecration, their excitement growing as the hour of his anointing drew near. The city of Ayodhyā was alive with anticipation, shining in the dawn of a most auspicious day.