After the king had given his consent, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha, foremost among those learned in the Vedas, rose and made his way to Rāma’s residence. His purpose was clear: to ensure that Rāma, heroic, wise, and deeply versed in rituals, would observe the prescribed fast before his consecration. With steadfast resolve, Vasiṣṭha mounted his splendid Brahminical chariot and journeyed to Rāma’s home. Hearing of the sage’s arrival, Rāma, eager and respectful, hurried out of his residence to greet him. Approaching Vasiṣṭha near the chariot, Rāma personally took the sage’s hand and helped him down, honoring him as was fitting. Seeing Rāma’s humility and reverence, Vasiṣṭha spoke kindly, delighting Rāma with affectionate words: “Rāma, your father is pleased with you, and you shall obtain the kingdom. Today, together with Sītā, you must undertake a fast. Tomorrow, your father Daśaratha, out of love, 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) through the ritual, ensuring they observed the fast as prescribed. After being duly honored by Rāma, Vasiṣṭha took his leave and departed from Rāma’s residence. Rāma, seated among his dear friends who spoke pleasant words, honored them as well. After bidding them farewell, he entered his house, which now shone with joy. Men and women filled the residence, their happiness making it resemble a lake blooming with lotuses, thronged with intoxicated birds. From this splendid palace-like home, Vasiṣṭha stepped out and saw the roads crowded with people. Throughout Ayodhyā, the royal avenues were packed with groups of curious citizens, eager and expectant. The sound of the crowds, filled with waves of joy, rose like the roar of the ocean. The city itself was radiant: streets sprinkled and swept, adorned with garlands from the forests and tall banners on houses. Ayodhyā’s people, crowded together with women and children, longed for Rāma’s consecration as eagerly as they awaited the sunrise. Decked out for the occasion and filled with joy, they were eager to witness the great festival. Through these crowded streets, the royal priest Vasiṣṭha made his way slowly toward the palace, parting the mass of people as he went. Ascending a palace that resembled a peak of white clouds, he approached King Daśaratha, as Bṛhaspati would approach Indra. Upon seeing Vasiṣṭha arrive, the king rose from his throne, asked for his counsel, and informed him that all preparations had been completed. The assembly, recognizing Vasiṣṭha’s stature, rose from their seats to honor him. With his guru’s permission, King 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, received the king, who shone beautifully, like the moon entering a sky filled with stars. The narration now turns to the next chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa, chapter six. When the chief priest had departed, Rāma, having bathed and with a disciplined mind, together with his wide-eyed wife Sītā, approached Nārāyaṇa. Holding the vessel of oblation, he offered clarified butter to the great deity into the blazing fire according to the rite. Having eaten the remainder of the oblation, wishing for his own welfare, Rāma sat in meditation on Nārāyaṇa, seated upon sacred grass. As the night drew to its close, with only one watch remaining, Rāma awoke and had his house thoroughly adorned according to proper custom. Amidst pleasant words from bards, genealogists, and panegyrists, he sat for early morning worship, reciting prayers with full concentration. He praised and bowed to Madhusūdana, and, clothed in pure linen, had the Brāhmaṇas recite the Vedas. The auspicious, deep, and sweet sounds of their chanting, accompanied by musical instruments, filled Ayodhyā. Hearing that Rāghava, together with Vaidehī, had completed the fast, all the people of Ayodhyā rejoiced. With the dawn and the news of Rāma’s consecration, the townspeople began to adorn the city. Temples shining like peaks of white clouds, crossroads, streets, shrines, balconies, merchant shops filled with goods, and the prosperous homes of householders—all were decorated. Assembly halls and even unmarked trees were adorned with flags and banners. Troupes of actors, dancers, and singers performed, filling the air with pleasing words and music. People spoke among themselves, both in public squares and in their homes, about Rāma’s consecration, as the time for his anointing drew near. Even the children, playing in groups at their doorways, spoke only of Rāma’s consecration. The royal road, splendid and adorned with offerings of flowers and perfumed with incense, was prepared by the citizens for Rāma’s anointing. All of Ayodhyā was radiant, united in joyful anticipation of the great event.