Ascending a palace that gleamed like a peak of white clouds, the chief priest approached King Daśaratha with dignity, much like Bṛhaspati coming to the mighty Indra. Seeing the revered priest arrive, the king rose from his throne in respect, inquired after his well-being, and assured him that all preparations had been completed. The assembled counselors, recognizing the priest’s equal stature to the king, also rose from their seats to honor him. With the priest’s permission, King Daśaratha left the throng of men and entered his inner chambers, moving with the majesty of a lion entering his mountain cave. The palace he entered was crowded with women adorned in splendid garments, shining with beauty like Indra’s own mansion. The king himself glowed, like the moon entering a star-filled sky. When the chief priest had departed, Rāma, having bathed and composed his mind, together with his wide-eyed wife Sītā, approached the deity Nārāyaṇa to offer worship. Holding the vessel of oblation in his hands, he poured clarified butter into the blazing fire, performing the sacred rites. After consuming the remnants of the offering, Rāma, wishing for his own welfare, sat upon a seat spread with sacred grass and meditated upon Nārāyaṇa. As the night waned and only one watch remained, Rāma awoke and had his house thoroughly adorned according to proper custom. Seated for early morning worship, he listened to the pleasant words of bards, genealogists, and panegyrists, reciting his prayers with full concentration. He praised and bowed to Madhusūdana, and, dressed in pure linen, had the Brāhmaṇas recite the Vedas. The deep and auspicious sounds of their chanting, mingled with the music of instruments, filled all of Ayodhyā. News spread quickly that Rāghava and Vaidehī had completed their fast, bringing joy to all the people of Ayodhyā. As word of Rāma’s impending consecration spread and the night gave way to dawn, the townspeople began to decorate the city. Temples that shone like peaks of white clouds, crossroads, streets, shrines, and balconies were all adorned. Merchant shops filled with goods, prosperous homes, assembly halls, and even unmarked trees were festooned with flags and banners. Troupes of actors, dancers, and singers performed, filling the air with words and melodies pleasing to the mind and ear. Everywhere—in public squares and private homes—people spoke of nothing but Rāma’s consecration, as the auspicious hour drew near. Even the children, playing at their doorways, spoke only of Rāma’s anointing. The royal road was made splendid, strewn with flowers and perfumed with incense, prepared by the citizens for the sacred occasion. To dispel the darkness, lamp-bearing trees were set up along all the side streets, illuminating the city through the night. Having adorned Ayodhyā so beautifully, the people waited in eager anticipation for Rāma’s installation as crown prince. Gathered in groups in squares and assembly halls, they praised the lord of the people, saying, “Ah, our great-souled king, the joy of the Ikṣvāku line, knowing his age, will anoint Rāma as king. How blessed we are! Rāma, wise in the ways of the world, will be our king and protector for a long time.” They spoke of Rāghava’s humility, learning, righteousness, and love for his brothers, saying he was as affectionate to the people as to his own kin. “Long may the righteous and faultless King Daśaratha live, for by his favor we shall see Rāma anointed!” While the citizens celebrated, others from the countryside, having heard the joyful news, flocked to the city from all directions to witness Rāma’s consecration. With people arriving from everywhere, the city swelled with crowds, and a mighty sound arose, like the roar of the ocean at the full moon. Ayodhyā, thronged on all sides by eager country folk, resounded with tumult and shone like the ocean filled with its waters, resembling Indra’s own celestial abode. Meanwhile, a maidservant named Mantharā, who had long lived with Queen Kaikeyī and was born among her kin, happened by chance to ascend a palace that shone like the moon. From that lofty vantage, Mantharā looked down upon Ayodhyā. She saw the royal roads sprinkled and strewn with lotuses and water-lilies, the city adorned with splendid banners and flags, perfumed with sandalwood water, and filled with people who had bathed and dressed in their finest. She beheld Ayodhyā resounding with the voices of distinguished Brāhmaṇas bearing garlands and sweets, the white doorways of temples gleaming, and the air filled with the music of every instrument. The whole city was alive with joyful people, the chanting of Brahmins, delighted elephants and horses, and the bellowing of excited bulls and cows. Seeing Ayodhyā so richly adorned, banners raised high, and its citizens elated and rejoicing, Mantharā was struck with utter astonishment.