Vasiṣṭha, the venerable sage adorned with every virtue and accompanied by his disciples, swiftly gathered all the necessary items for the sacred occasion and made his way into the foremost city of Ayodhyā. As he entered, he beheld streets that had been carefully swept and sprinkled with water, adorned with splendid banners fluttering in the breeze. The city was alive with joy, bustling with cheerful attendants, and prosperous with thriving shops and markets. Everywhere, preparations for a grand festival were underway, all in eager anticipation for Rāghava—Rāma. The air was perfumed with the fragrance of sandalwood, aloe, and incense, filling every corner with auspicious scents. Passing through this magnificent city, which seemed to rival Indra’s own Amarāvatī, the illustrious Vasiṣṭha soon reached the inner palace, its entrance adorned with a multitude of colorful banners. Within the palace, a great crowd had gathered—citizens from the town and country, Brahmins holding staffs, and noble horses of fine breed. The palace was highly honored and filled with a sense of expectancy. Entering further, Vasiṣṭha, his heart gladdened and surrounded by eminent sages, made his way through the assembled throng. At the doorway, he saw the renowned Sumantra, the king’s trusted charioteer, emerging. Sumantra, a minister both wise and pleasing to behold, was greeted by the mighty Vasiṣṭha, who addressed him with urgency: “Go quickly and inform the king that I have arrived.” He continued, “All is prepared: pitchers of Ganges water, golden vessels from the seas, a sacred udumbara wood seat for the consecration. There are all kinds of seeds, fragrant substances, many jewels, honey, curds, ghee, parched grains, darbha grass, flowers, and milk. Eight lovely maidens are present, as well as a noble, intoxicated elephant, a splendid chariot with four horses, a sword, and an excellent bow. A vehicle attended by men, a parasol like the moon, white fly-whisks, and a golden vessel for sprinkling are ready. There is a pale-hued, humped bull adorned with golden chains, a lion with four fangs, and a mighty monkey. A throne, a tiger skin, sacrificial firewood, the sacred fire, all manner of musical instruments, and women adorned with ornaments are assembled. Teachers, Brahmins, sacred cows, auspicious beasts and birds, leading citizens from town and country, and groups of merchants—all are gathered.” “These and many more, 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 receive the kingdom.” Hearing these words, Sumantra—the mighty son of a charioteer—praised the king and entered the palace. The royal attendants at the door, recognizing the importance of his message, did not hinder the aged man, wishing only to please their sovereign. Standing near the king and perceiving his state, Sumantra began to praise him with words of utmost satisfaction. With joined palms, as was his custom, he addressed the lord of the earth: “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, as Mātali praised Indra, conqueror of demons, so do 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 together awaken the beautiful earth, so I awaken you. Rise, O great king! The festive and auspicious rites have been performed; shine forth like the sun upon Mount Meru.” He invoked blessings: “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 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. Vasiṣṭha himself waits with the Brahmins; quickly command, O King, the consecration of Rāghava.” He added, “Just as cattle without a herdsman, an army without a leader, a night without the moon, or cows without a bull, so will a kingdom be without its king. Therefore, O King, arise!” Hearing these gentle yet meaningful words, the king was once again overwhelmed by grief. Thinking of his son, he spoke to Sumantra, his joy vanished: his eyes were reddened with sorrow, yet he still shone with righteousness. He looked up and said, “Indeed, with your words you cut my heart again.” Moved by the king’s sorrowful words and seeing his dejection, Sumantra, with hands respectfully joined, withdrew a little from that place. When the king, overcome by distress, was unable to speak further, Kaikeyī, skilled in counsel, addressed Sumantra: “The king, longing for Rāma’s consecration, spent the night sleepless and exhausted, and has now succumbed to sleep. Therefore, go quickly, charioteer, and bring the illustrious prince Rāma; may good befall you—there is no need for deliberation here.” Sumantra replied, “How can I go, noble lady, without hearing the king’s command?” Hearing this, the king found his voice and spoke: “Sumantra, I will see Rāma; quickly bring the handsome one.” Believing that good fortune was at hand, Sumantra rejoiced in his heart.