Rāma, surrounded by his beloved friends who spoke gentle and pleasing words, honored them all before taking leave and entering his house. At that moment, his home shone brightly, filled with joyful men and women, resembling a lake blooming with lotuses and teeming with birds intoxicated by delight. From Rāma’s residence, which was as splendid as a royal palace, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha departed. As he stepped outside, he saw the roads crowded with people. All across Ayodhyā, the royal streets were packed with groups of curious citizens, gathering from every direction. The sound of the crowds, overflowing with waves of joy, echoed like the roar of the ocean. That day, Ayodhyā appeared magnificent—its streets freshly sprinkled and swept, adorned with garlands from the forest, and banners rising high from the rooftops. The people of Ayodhyā, women and children among them, eagerly awaited Rāma’s consecration, yearning for it as one waits for the sunrise. Dressed for the occasion and filled with happiness, they were eager to witness the great festival that would unfold in their city. Through this throng, the royal priest made his way slowly along the crowded road, parting the mass of people as he advanced toward the palace. Ascending a palace that gleamed like a peak of white clouds, Vasiṣṭha approached the king, much like Bṛhaspati coming to Indra. Seeing the sage arrive, King Daśaratha rose from his throne, asked for his counsel, and informed him that all preparations had been completed. The assembly members, seated together and recognizing Vasiṣṭha’s stature, rose from their seats to honor the chief priest. Permitted by his guru, the king left the gathering of men and entered the inner chambers, like a lion retreating into a mountain cave. Within that palace, crowded with women adorned in splendid attire and resembling the mansion of Indra, the king entered, shining 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, 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 performed the rite, offering clarified butter to the great deity into the blazing fire. Having eaten the remainder of the oblation, wishing for his own welfare, Rāma sat meditating on Nārāyaṇa, seated upon sacred grass. When only one watch of the night remained, he awoke and had his house thoroughly adorned according to proper custom. 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, 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 news of Rāma’s consecration and the end of night, the townspeople set about adorning the city. At temples shining like peaks of white clouds, at crossroads, on streets, at shrines, and on balconies, in merchants’ shops filled with all kinds of goods, and in the prosperous homes of householders, flags were raised high and banners unfurled. In all assembly halls and even on unmarked trees, decorations abounded. The people heard pleasing words from troupes of actors, dancers, and singers performing throughout the city. Everywhere, in squares and in homes, people spoke among themselves about Rāma’s consecration, as the time for his anointing approached. 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. To dispel the darkness of night, 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 eager anticipation. Gathered in groups in the squares and assembly halls, they spoke among themselves, praising their lord. “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 understands the ways of the world, will be our king and protector for a long time. Rāghava, 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 who had heard the news from all directions came from the countryside. These people, arriving from every quarter to witness Rāma’s anointing, filled the city to overflowing.