With all the necessary materials for Rāma’s consecration already prepared, King Daśaratha, his heart heavy with grief, turned to Kaikeyī and spoke with sorrow: “Let Rāma perform the water-rites for me, as if I were already dead. If you prevent Rāma’s consecration, you and your son must not perform these rites for me, O woman of sinful intent.” The king, overwhelmed by the pain of seeing the people’s joy shattered, lamented, “Once I delighted in their radiant faces, but now, with their happiness destroyed, I cannot bear to see their sorrowful gaze.” As the great-souled king uttered these words, the auspicious night—adorned with the moon and stars—came to its end. Then Kaikeyī, her heart hardened, spoke again, her words sharp and cutting, skilled in speech but burning with anger. “Why do you speak such words, O King, as if they were poisoned arrows? Summon your son Rāma here without delay. Install my son on the throne, send Rāma to the forest, and grant me freedom from rivals—then your duty will be fulfilled.” Stung by her relentless demands, Daśaratha, like a noble horse repeatedly struck by a sharp goad, replied, “Bound by the ties of dharma, my mind is lost. I long only to see my beloved eldest son Rāma, ever devoted to righteousness.” As the night passed and the sun rose, the stars aligned in a favorable conjunction, marking the proper and auspicious moment for the ceremony. The venerable sage Vasiṣṭha, adorned with every virtue and surrounded by his disciples, quickly gathered all the sacred items and entered the foremost city. The streets had been swept and sprinkled, adorned with splendid banners, bustling with joyful attendants, and prosperous with thriving shops and markets. The city was alive with festival preparations, its air perfumed with sandalwood, aloe, and fragrant incense, all in eager anticipation for Rāghava’s consecration. Passing through this city, which rivaled even the city of Indra, the illustrious Vasiṣṭha beheld the inner palace, beautifully decorated with many-colored banners. The palace was crowded with townspeople and villagers alike, graced by Brahmins bearing staffs, filled with fine horses, and honored by all. Entering the palace, Vasiṣṭha, greatly pleased and accompanied by eminent sages, made his way through the gathered assembly. There he saw Sumantra, the renowned and trusted charioteer, emerging from the doorway of the lion among men—a minister pleasing to behold. Vasiṣṭha addressed him: “Quickly inform the king that I have arrived. Here are pitchers of Ganges water, golden vessels from the seas, and a sacred udumbara seat brought for the consecration. All manner of seeds, fragrant substances, various jewels, honey, curds, ghee, parched grains, darbha grass, flowers, and milk are ready. 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 shining like the moon, white fly-whisks, and a golden vessel for sprinkling are prepared. There is a pale-humped bull adorned with golden chains, a lion with four fangs, foremost among monkeys, possessing great strength. The throne, tiger skin, sacrificial firewood, and the sacred fire are ready; all kinds of musical instruments and women adorned with ornaments are present. Teachers, Brahmins, sacred cows, auspicious beasts and birds, leading citizens of the town and countryside, and merchants with their groups—all these and many more, delighted and speaking kindly, are assembled with the kings for Rāma’s consecration. Hasten to the great king, so that, as the auspicious day arrives and the constellation Puṣya is in conjunction, Rāma may obtain the kingdom.” Hearing these words, Sumantra, mighty in strength and full of praise for the king, entered the palace. The royal attendants at the door, eager to please the king, did not hinder the aged charioteer. Approaching Daśaratha, Sumantra, perceiving the king’s state, began to offer words of the highest praise. With joined palms, as he had done before, Sumantra lauded the lord of the earth: “Just as the radiant ocean rejoices at the rising of the sun, so may you bring us happiness today. At this hour, Mātali praised Indra, who conquered all the demons; likewise, I awaken you. Just as the Vedas and their branches awaken the self-born Brahma, so I awaken you today. As the sun and moon awaken the beautiful earth, so I awaken you. Rise, O great king! With festivities and auspicious rites performed, shine forth like the sun upon Mount Meru. May Soma and Sūrya, O descendant of Kakutstha, Śiva and Kubera, Varuṇa, Agni, and Indra grant you victory. The blessed night has passed, your task is accomplished; awaken, tiger among kings, and attend to the next duty. All preparations for Rāma’s consecration are complete; the townspeople, country folk, and merchants stand with joined palms. The venerable Vasiṣṭha himself is waiting together with the brāhmaṇas; quickly command, O King, the consecration of Rāghava.” Thus, the city and its people, the sages and the king’s loyal ministers, all stood ready, eager for the momentous occasion to crown Rāma, while the king’s heart wrestled with sorrow and duty.