The venerable sage Vasiṣṭha, chief among those devoted to austerity, addressed King Daśaratha, saying, “O descendant of Kakutstha, send word to Rāma and have him observe a fast today with his wife. Let this be done for the sake of auspiciousness and the attainment of the kingdom.” The king listened, and Vasiṣṭha, the foremost knower of the Vedas, responded, “So be it.” With purpose, the sage made his way to Rāma’s residence, intent on guiding the wise and heroic prince through the sacred observance. Vasiṣṭha, steadfast and learned, mounted his splendid chariot and journeyed to Rāma’s house. When Rāma learned of the sage’s arrival, he was filled with eagerness and respect. He hurried from his home to greet the honored guest, for Vasiṣṭha was truly worthy of reverence. Drawing near the chariot, Rāma approached the sage, took him gently by the hand, and personally helped him descend. Seeing Rāma’s humility and devotion, Vasiṣṭha spoke to him with warmth and affection, his words bringing delight to Rāma’s heart. “Rāma,” he said, “your father is pleased with you, and you shall 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 anointed Yayāti.” Having thus instructed him, the pure and self-restrained sage guided Rāma and Vaidehī, Sītā, to observe the sacred fast according to the prescribed ritual. When the rites were complete, Rāma honored Vasiṣṭha with all due respect. The royal preceptor then took leave of the house of Kakutstha and departed from Rāma’s residence. Thereafter, Rāma sat among his dear friends, who spoke to him with affection and joy. He honored them, and, after bidding them farewell, entered his house. At that moment, Rāma’s home glowed with happiness, filled with joyful men and women, like a lake blossoming with lotuses and alive with the calls of birds intoxicated with delight. As Vasiṣṭha left Rāma’s splendid residence, he saw the roads outside crowded with people. Throughout Ayodhyā, the royal streets were packed with throngs of curious citizens, eager to witness the coming events. The joyous noise of the multitude along the royal road swelled and surged, echoing like the roar of the ocean. Ayodhyā itself shone that day—its streets swept and sprinkled, adorned with garlands from the forest, and banners waving from tall houses. The city was crowded with people—women, children, and men—each longing for Rāma’s consecration as eagerly as they awaited the sunrise. Dressed in their finest, filled with anticipation, the citizens prepared to witness the great festival. Vasiṣṭha, moving slowly through the dense crowds, made his way toward the palace, parting the sea of people as he went. He ascended the palace, which rose like a peak of white clouds, and approached King Daśaratha, as Bṛhaspati might approach Indra himself. Seeing the sage arrive, the king rose from his throne, greeted him with respect, and, after seeking his counsel, informed him that all preparations had been made. The assembly members, recognizing Vasiṣṭha’s stature, also rose from their seats to honor him. With his guru’s permission, King Daśaratha left the gathering and entered the inner chambers, like a lion entering the depths of a mountain cave. The king entered a palace crowded with women adorned in splendid garments, a sight as dazzling as Indra’s own mansion, and shone among them like the moon rising into a sky of stars. Meanwhile, after the chief priest had departed, Rāma bathed and, with a disciplined mind, joined by his wide-eyed wife Sītā, approached Nārāyaṇa in worship. Holding the sacred vessel, Rāma offered clarified butter into the blazing fire, following the rite with devotion. When the offering was complete, he ate the remnants as was proper, and, wishing for his own good, sat in meditation on Nārāyaṇa, seated upon sacred grass. As the night waned and only a single watch remained, Rāma awoke and had his house thoroughly adorned according to custom. He listened to the pleasant words of bards, genealogists, and panegyrists, and sat for his early morning worship, reciting prayers with full concentration. He praised Madhusūdana, bowed his head, clothed himself in pure linen, and had the Brāhmaṇas recite the Vedas. The auspicious, deep, and sweet sounds of their chanting, mingled with the music of instruments, filled all of Ayodhyā. When the people heard that Rāghava, together with Vaidehī, had completed the fast, great joy spread throughout the city. With news of Rāma’s impending consecration and the arrival of dawn, the townspeople began to adorn Ayodhyā. At the temples shining like peaks of white clouds, at crossroads and shrines, on balconies and in the shops of merchants, everywhere flags and banners were raised. The prosperous homes of householders, the assembly halls, and even unmarked trees were festooned with decorations. Troupes of actors, dancers, and singers performed, their words and music pleasing to all who heard them. In the city squares and within their homes, people spoke of nothing but Rāma’s consecration, as the moment of his anointing drew near. Even the children, playing together at their doorways, spoke among themselves only of Rāma’s coming coronation, their hearts filled with excitement and anticipation.