After Rāma had honored him with due reverence, the royal preceptor Vasiṣṭha took his leave from Kakutstha—that is, Rāma—and departed from Rāma’s residence. Rāma, meanwhile, sat among his dear friends who spoke pleasant words, honoring them in turn. After bidding farewell to each, he entered his own house. At that moment, Rāma’s residence was resplendent, filled with joyful men and women, glowing like a lake bursting with blooming lotuses, and alive with the calls of intoxicated birds. From this royal abode, which seemed no less than a palace, Vasiṣṭha emerged and beheld the road outside, crowded with people. All throughout Ayodhyā, the royal roads were densely packed on all sides with groups of curious citizens. The sound of the throng lining the royal road, their joy swelling in waves, echoed like the roar of the ocean. That day, Ayodhyā appeared splendid: its streets had been sprinkled and swept, adorned with garlands from the forest and tall banners atop the houses. The people of Ayodhyā, crowded together with women and children, eagerly awaited Rāma’s consecration as fervently as they awaited the sunrise. Adorned for the occasion and filled with joy, they longed to witness the great festival about to unfold in their city. Through these crowded royal roads, the chief priest made his way slowly toward the palace, parting the mass of people as he went. Ascending a palace that seemed like a peak of white clouds, he approached King Daśaratha, as Bṛhaspati would approach Indra. Upon seeing Vasiṣṭha arrive, the king rose from his throne, inquired after his opinion, and informed him that all preparations had been completed. The assembly members, seated together and equal in stature to the chief priest, rose from their seats in honor of him. With the guru’s permission, King Daśaratha left the multitude of men 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, received the king, who shone beautifully, like the moon entering a sky filled with stars. Here begins the sixth chapter of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. 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 in his hands, he offered clarified butter to the great deity, pouring it into the blazing fire according to the prescribed rite. Having eaten the remainder of the oblation, wishing for his own good, Rāma 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 proper 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 to Madhusūdana, and, clothed in pure linen, had the Brāhmaṇas recite the Vedas. The auspicious, deep, and sweet sounds of their chanting, accompanied by music, filled Ayodhyā. Hearing that Rāghava, together with Vaidehī, had completed the fast, all the people of Ayodhyā rejoiced. With the news of Rāma’s consecration and the night ended, the townspeople began adorning the city. At temples shining like peaks of white clouds, at crossroads, in streets, at shrines, and on balconies; in the shops of merchants filled with various goods; and in the prosperous homes of householders, flags and banners were raised high. Assembly halls and even unmarked trees were adorned. The people heard pleasing words from troupes of actors, dancers, and singers performing throughout the city. Everywhere, in squares and homes, people spoke among themselves about Rāma’s consecration, as the time approached. Even the children, playing in groups at their doorways, spoke only of Rāma’s consecration among themselves. The royal road was splendid, adorned with offerings of flowers and perfumed with incense, prepared by the citizens for Rāma’s anointing. To illuminate the night, lamp-bearing trees were set up along all the side streets. Having decorated the city so beautifully, the inhabitants, longing for Rāma’s installation as crown prince, waited in eager anticipation. They gathered together in groups in squares and assembly halls, speaking among themselves, praising their lord. They said, “Ah, the great-souled king, the joy of the Ikṣvāku line, knowing himself to be aged, will anoint Rāma as king. Indeed, we are all blessed, for Rāma, who has seen the ways of the world, will be our king and protector for a long time. Rāghava, whose mind is free from arrogance, learned, righteous, and loving toward his brothers, is as affectionate to us as he is to them. Long may the righteous and faultless King Daśaratha live, by whose favor we shall see Rāma anointed.” While the citizens spoke thus, others, having heard the news from all directions, arrived from the countryside, eager to witness the joyous event.