Kaikeyī, steadfast in her resolve, confronted King Daśaratha with a dire ultimatum. "If you, O noble one, do not fulfill this promise of mine," she declared, "then, forsaken before your eyes, I will abandon my own life." Her words, unwavering and relentless, bound the king in a grip he could not escape—much like Bali, who was ensnared by Indra and unable to break free. Daśaratha’s heart was seized with turmoil. His face grew pale, and he trembled, much like a yoked horse caught between the wheels of a chariot, uncertain and fearful. His vision dimmed, as if he could not see, and he summoned his courage with great difficulty to speak to Kaikeyī. He said, "The night has passed, O lady, and the sun is about to rise. Surely the people will soon press me for Rāma’s consecration." He continued, his voice heavy with sorrow, "With all the materials prepared for Rāma’s consecration, let Rāma perform the water-rites for me as if I were dead. You and your son must not perform these rites for me if you obstruct Rāma’s consecration, O woman of evil conduct." Daśaratha lamented further, "Today I am unable to see the people, whose faces I once saw so joyful. Now, with their happiness destroyed, they will turn away from me in sorrow." As the great-souled king spoke these words, the auspicious night adorned with the moon and stars came to its end. Kaikeyī, her conduct harsh and her anger unchecked, spoke again to the king with piercing words. "Why do you speak these words, O King, as if they were poisoned arrows? You should summon your son Rāma here without delay. Install my son on the throne, send Rāma to the forest, and make me free from rivals—then your duty will be fulfilled." Urged on by Kaikeyī, Daśaratha felt as if he were a noble horse struck repeatedly by a sharp goad. Bound by the ties of righteousness, his mind lost, he said, "I wish to see my beloved eldest son Rāma, who is devoted to dharma." When the auspicious night had passed, the sun had risen, the stars were in a favorable conjunction, and the proper moment had arrived, the sage Vasiṣṭha, endowed with virtues and surrounded by his disciples, quickly gathered the necessary items and entered the foremost city. He entered Ayodhyā, whose streets had been sprinkled and swept clean, adorned with splendid banners, filled with joyful attendants, and prosperous with shops and markets. The city was alive with festival preparations, eager for Rāghava’s sake, and perfumed everywhere with sandalwood, aloe, and incense. Passing through this city, which rivaled the city of Indra, Vasiṣṭha saw the inner palace adorned with many kinds of banners. The palace was crowded with townspeople and countryfolk, graced by Brahmins holding staffs, filled with fine horses, and highly honored. Reaching the inner palace, Vasiṣṭha, greatly pleased and surrounded by eminent sages, passed through the assembled people. There he saw Sumantra, the renowned charioteer, coming out at the door of the lion among men—a minister pleasing to behold. The mighty Vasiṣṭha addressed Sumantra, the skilled son of a charioteer: "Quickly inform the king that I have arrived here. Here are pitchers of Ganges water, golden vessels from the seas, and a sacred wooden seat of udumbara brought for the consecration. All kinds of seeds, fragrant substances, various jewels, honey, curds, ghee, parched grains, darbha grass, flowers, and milk are here. There are also eight lovely maidens, a noble intoxicated elephant, a splendid chariot with four horses, a sword, and an excellent bow. A vehicle attended by men, a parasol resembling the moon, white fly-whisks, and a golden vessel for sprinkling. A bull with a hump, pale in color, adorned with golden chains; a lion with four fangs, foremost among monkeys, possessing great strength. A throne, a tiger skin, sacrificial firewood, and the fire for offerings; all kinds of musical instruments, and women adorned with ornaments. Teachers, Brahmins, sacred cows, auspicious beasts and birds; leading citizens of town and country, and merchants with their groups. These and many others, delighted and speaking kindly, are assembled with the kings for Rāma’s consecration. Hasten to the great king, so that, when the auspicious day arrives and the constellation Puṣya is in conjunction, Rāma may obtain the kingdom." Hearing these words, Sumantra, mighty in strength and praising the tiger among kings, entered the palace. The royal attendants at the door, unable to restrain the aged man, wished only to please the king. Standing near Daśaratha and perceiving his condition, Sumantra began to praise him with words of utmost satisfaction. With joined palms, he lauded the lord of the earth, saying, "Just as the radiant ocean rejoices at the rising of the sun, so, with a joyful heart, may you bring us happiness. At this hour, Mātali praised Indra, who conquered all the demons; likewise, I awaken you. Just as the Vedas with their branches and sciences awaken the self-born lord, Brahma, so I awaken you today. Just as the sun together with the moon awakens the beautiful earth today, so I awaken you." Thus, amidst sorrow and hope, the dawn of Rāma’s consecration approached, with all preparations made and the city awaiting its beloved prince.