At that joyful hour, Rāma’s house shone brightly, filled with delighted men and women. The atmosphere was vibrant, like a lake blossoming with lotuses and abuzz with intoxicated birds. From this splendid residence, which resembled a royal palace, the venerable sage Vasiṣṭha emerged and saw the roads outside teeming with people. Across Ayodhyā, the royal avenues were densely packed, with groups of curious citizens gathering on all sides. The sound of the crowds along these grand roads, swelling with waves of joy, echoed like the roar of the ocean. That day, Ayodhyā appeared magnificent: its streets had been sprinkled and swept clean, adorned with garlands from the forests and tall banners waving from the houses. The people of Ayodhyā, thronging the city with women and children, eagerly awaited Rāma’s consecration, yearning for it as they would for the sunrise. Adorned for the occasion and filled with happiness, everyone was eager to witness the great festival that would soon unfold in Ayodhyā. Through these crowded royal roads, Vasiṣṭha, the royal priest, made his way slowly toward the palace, moving through the mass of people as if parting the sea. He ascended the palace, which rose like a peak of white clouds, and approached King Daśaratha, just as Bṛhaspati might approach Indra. Seeing Vasiṣṭha arrive, the king rose from his throne and, after seeking his counsel, informed him that all preparations had been completed. The assembly members, who were seated together and considered his equals, also rose from their seats to honor the chief priest. Permitted by his guru, the king left the multitude of men and entered the inner chambers, like a lion entering a mountain cave. Inside, the palace was crowded with women adorned in splendid attire and shone with a beauty reminiscent of Indra’s own mansion. The king entered, radiant, like the moon rising into a sky filled with stars. Now, 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, performing the rite as prescribed. After eating the remainder of the oblation and wishing for his own good, Rāma sat meditating on Nārāyaṇa upon a seat spread with 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 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 the music of instruments, filled Ayodhyā. Hearing that Rāghava, together with Vaidehī, had completed their fast, all the people living in Ayodhyā rejoiced. With the news of Rāma’s consecration and the dawn breaking, all 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 arranged. In the shops of merchants, filled with various goods, and in the prosperous homes of householders, as well as in all the assembly halls and even on unmarked trees, flags and banners were raised high. Troupes of actors, dancers, and singers performed, filling the air with pleasing words and melodies that delighted the mind and ear. Everywhere, people spoke among themselves about Rāma’s consecration, both in the squares and in their homes, as the auspicious hour approached. Even children, playing in groups at their doorways, spoke only of Rāma’s consecration. The royal road was splendidly adorned with offerings of flowers and perfumed with incense, 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 anticipation. Gathering in groups in the squares and assembly halls, they spoke among themselves, praising their beloved prince. They said, “Ah, the great-souled king, joy of the Ikṣvāku line, knowing himself to be aged, will anoint Rāma as king. We are truly blessed, for Rāma, wise in the ways of the world, will be our 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, for by his favor, we shall see Rāma anointed.” While the citizens spoke thus, others, having heard the news from all directions, came from the countryside. People arrived from every quarter to witness Rāma’s anointing, filling the city to overflowing. With these crowds spreading everywhere, a great sound arose, like the roar of the ocean at the time of the full moon.