Rāma, eager and respectful, hurried to meet the wise royal priest near his chariot. With reverence, he took the priest’s hand and personally helped him descend, honoring his presence with humility. Seeing Rāma’s gentle demeanor, the priest was pleased and addressed him with kind and affectionate words, words that delighted Rāma and reflected the deep bond between them. “Rāma,” he said, “your father is pleased with you, and the kingdom awaits you. Today, you and Sītā should undertake a fast together. Tomorrow, out of love, King 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 prescribed fast, performing the ritual with care. After Rāma had honored him as befitting his station, the royal preceptor took leave of Kakutstha—Rāma—and departed from his residence. Rāma, meanwhile, sat among his dear friends, listening to their pleasant words. He honored them and, after bidding them farewell, entered his own home. At that moment, Rāma’s house was radiant, filled with joyful men and women. It shone like a lake blooming with lotuses, thronged with birds intoxicated by happiness. From this palace-like residence, Vasiṣṭha stepped out and saw the roads crowded with people. Throughout Ayodhyā, the royal roads were densely packed with groups of eager and curious citizens. The sound of the crowds, filled with waves of joy, echoed like the roar of the ocean. The city itself was splendid: streets sprinkled and swept clean, adorned with garlands from the forest and tall banners atop houses. The people of Ayodhyā, crowded together with women and children, longed for Rāma’s consecration as eagerly as they awaited the sunrise. Dressed in festive attire and filled with joy, they were eager to witness the great festival that would mark Rāma’s anointing. Through the bustling royal road, the priest made his way slowly, almost parting the sea of people, toward the palace. Ascending a palace that gleamed like a peak of white clouds, he approached King Daśaratha, as Bṛhaspati would approach Indra. Seeing the priest arrive, the king rose from his throne, asked his opinion, and informed him that all preparations were complete. The assembly members, equal in stature to the priest, rose from their seats to honor him. With the guru’s permission, the king left the multitude and entered his 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. Now begins the sixth chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. After the chief priest had departed, Rāma bathed, calmed his mind, and, together with his wide-eyed wife Sītā, approached Nārāyaṇa. Holding the vessel of oblation in his hands, he offered clarified butter to the great deity into the blazing fire, following the prescribed rite. Having eaten the remainder of the oblation, wishing for his own good, he sat meditating on Nārāyaṇa, seated upon sacred grass. When only one watch of the night remained, Rāma awoke and had his house thoroughly adorned according to custom. While listening to pleasant words from bards, genealogists, and panegyrists, he sat for early morning worship, reciting prayers with full concentration. He praised and bowed his head to Madhusūdana and, clothed in pure linen, had the Brāhmaṇas recite the Vedas. The auspicious and deep, sweet sounds of their chanting, accompanied by music, filled Ayodhyā. Hearing that Rāghava—Rāma—together with Vaidehī, had completed the fast, all the people of Ayodhyā rejoiced. With the night ended and news of Rāma’s consecration spreading, the townspeople began to adorn the city. At temples shining like peaks of white clouds, at crossroads, on streets, at shrines, and on balconies, decorations were set up. In merchant shops filled with goods, and in the prosperous homes of householders, flags and banners were raised high. Assembly halls and even unmarked trees were adorned. Troupes of actors, dancers, and singers performed, filling the air with words pleasing to the mind and ear. People spoke among themselves about Rāma’s consecration, both in the squares and in their homes, as the moment approached. Even children playing at the doorways of their homes talked only of Rāma’s anointing. The royal road, splendid and adorned with offerings of flowers and perfumed with incense, was prepared by the citizens for Rāma’s anointing. To illuminate the night and dispel the darkness, lamp-bearing trees were set up along all the side streets. Having decorated the city, the inhabitants, longing for Rāma’s installation as crown prince, waited in anticipation. Gathered in groups in the squares and assembly halls, they spoke among themselves, praising the lord of the people, Rāma, as the city prepared for the blessed festival.