Gathered in Ayodhyā, a host of delighted and kindly-speaking people assembled alongside the kings, all eager for Rāma’s consecration. The air was thick with anticipation, and many urged one another to hasten to the great king, so that, when the auspicious day arrived and the constellation Puṣya was in conjunction, Rāma might rightfully obtain the kingdom. Hearing these words, the son of the charioteer—Sumantra, mighty in strength and wisdom—praised the tiger among kings and entered the palace. At the palace doors, royal attendants, though unable to restrain the aged Sumantra, wished only to please the king and let him pass. Standing near the king, Sumantra perceived the monarch’s condition and began to praise him with words of utmost satisfaction. With joined palms, Sumantra extolled the lord of the earth, just as he had done before in the king’s palace. He compared the king’s presence to the radiant ocean rejoicing at the rising of the sun, and prayed that with a joyful heart, the king would bring happiness to all. At that hour, Sumantra recalled how Mātali once praised Indra, the conqueror of demons, and declared that he, too, was awakening the king. Just as the Vedas and their branches awaken the self-born lord Brahma, so did Sumantra awaken the king today. As the sun and moon together awaken the beautiful earth, Sumantra sought to rouse the king. He urged, “Rise, O great king, with festivities and auspicious rites performed, shining in form 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 had passed and the king’s task was accomplished. Sumantra called upon him to awaken and attend to the next duty. He reported that all preparations for Rāma’s consecration had been completed; townspeople, country folk, and merchants stood with joined palms, awaiting the king’s command. The venerable sage Vasiṣṭha himself was waiting with the brāhmaṇas, ready for the ceremony. Sumantra urged the king to quickly command the consecration of Rāghava. He reminded the king that just as cattle without a herdsman, an army without a leader, a night without the moon, or cows without a bull, so would a kingdom become where the king is not seen. Hearing Sumantra’s gentle yet meaningful words, the king was again overwhelmed by grief. Regarding his son, the king spoke to the charioteer, his joy gone. With eyes reddened by sorrow, resplendent and righteous, the king looked up and said, “Indeed, with your words you cut my heart again.” Seeing the king so dejected, Sumantra, with hands joined, respectfully withdrew a little from that place. When the king, out of distress, was unable to speak, Kaikeyī, skilled in counsel, addressed Sumantra. She explained, “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 Sumantra, “Sumantra, I will see Rāma; quickly bring the handsome one.” Thinking that good fortune was at hand, the king rejoiced in his heart. At the king’s command, Sumantra departed swiftly and joyfully. Urged on by Kaikeyī, he began to reflect quickly, “Surely, the righteous king will summon Rāma here for the consecration.” With great joy, the mighty 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. Suddenly emerging from the front, Sumantra looked at those stationed at the king’s gate and saw various wealthy citizens gathered and standing at the entrance. Now begins 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 foremost 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 brāhmaṇas 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, as well as from other holy rivers, lakes, wells, and ponds—those flowing east, upward, across, and those with milky waters. Water was collected from all these sources, as well as from the oceans; honey, curds, ghee, parched grains, darbha grass, flowers, and milk were also gathered. Eight beautiful maidens and a noble, intoxicated elephant were present. Water jars, covered with milk, were of gold and silver, filled and ready. The jars, filled with pure water and adorned with lotuses and water-lilies, shone white as the moon’s disk and were decorated with jewels. Ready for Rāma stood the finest yak-tail fan and a white parasol, radiant like the moon’s orb. All was prepared for the auspicious consecration of Rāma, as the people of Ayodhyā awaited this sacred moment with hearts full of joy and reverence.