In anticipation of Rama’s consecration, a wondrous assembly gathered, bringing with them many auspicious items and beings. There were eight lovely maidens, a noble elephant intoxicated with its own strength, a splendid chariot drawn by four horses, a gleaming sword, and an excellent bow. Among the offerings was a vehicle attended by men, a parasol radiant like the moon, white fly-whisks, and a golden vessel for sprinkling sacred water. A pale-hued, hump-backed bull adorned with golden chains stood proudly, alongside a lion with four fangs, the foremost among monkeys and possessed of great strength. A majestic throne was prepared, covered with a tiger skin, accompanied by sacrificial firewood and the fire for offerings. Musical instruments of every kind filled the air with melody, while women adorned with ornaments added to the festive atmosphere. Teachers and Brahmins arrived, bringing sacred cows and auspicious beasts and birds. The leading citizens of town and country, and merchants with their groups, all gathered in joy. These and many others, delighted and speaking kindly, assembled with the kings for Rama's consecration. The call went out to hasten to the great king, so that when the auspicious day arrived and the constellation Puṣya was in conjunction, Rama might obtain the kingdom. Hearing these instructions, the son of the charioteer, mighty in strength and praising the tiger among kings, entered the palace. The royal attendants at the door, unable to restrain the aged man previously mentioned, wished only to please the king. Standing near the king and perceiving his condition, the charioteer began to praise him with words of utmost satisfaction. Sumantra, as before, in the king’s palace, with joined palms, praised the lord of the earth. He spoke: “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. Rise, O great king, with festivities and auspicious rites performed, shining in form 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.” He continued, “All preparations for Rama’s consecration have been completed; 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. Just as cattle without a herdsman, an army without a leader, a night without the moon, or cows without a bull—so indeed will a kingdom become, where the king is not seen.” Hearing these gentle yet meaningful words, the king was again overwhelmed by grief. Regarding his son, the king spoke to the charioteer, his joy gone. His eyes reddened with sorrow, resplendent and righteous, he looked up and said, “Indeed, with your words you cut my heart again.” Seeing the king so dejected, Sumantra, with hands joined, withdrew a little from that place. When the king, out of distress, was unable to speak himself, Kaikeyī, skilled in counsel, addressed Sumantra: “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 spoke to the minister, “Sumantra, I will see Rāma; quickly bring the handsome one.” Thinking that good fortune was at hand, he rejoiced in his heart. At the king’s command, Sumantra departed swiftly and joyfully, urged on by Kaikeyī, and began to reflect quickly, “Surely, the righteous king will summon Rāma here for the consecration.” With great joy, Sumantra went out, eager to see Rāghava. Leaving the splendid inner quarters, like the ocean or a great lake, he saw the crowded gateway ahead. Emerging from the front, he looked at those stationed at the king’s gate and saw various wealthy citizens gathered and standing at the entrance. Now, listen to the fifteenth sarga. Having passed that night, the brāhmaṇas, accomplished in the Vedas, together with the royal priest, assembled at the court. The ministers, chiefs of the army, and the foremost of the citizens, all gathered joyfully for Rāghava’s consecration. When the pure sun had risen and the day of Puṣya had arrived, with the ascendant in Cancer and the time of Rāma’s birth established, the foremost brahmins had prepared golden water vessels and a splendidly adorned auspicious seat for Rāma’s consecration. A chariot was properly covered with a shining tiger skin, and water was brought from the sacred confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā, marking the blessed beginning of the ceremony.