As the dawn broke, the palace was alive with auspicious rites and festive preparations. The great king was urged to rise, his form radiant like the sun upon Mount Meru, as the joyful atmosphere enveloped him. Blessings were invoked: “May Soma and Sūrya, O descendant of Kakutstha, Śiva and Kubera, Varuṇa, Agni, and Indra grant you victory.” The night had passed, and the king’s task was accomplished; it was time for him, tiger among kings, to awaken and attend to the next duty. All preparations for Rāma’s consecration were complete. Townspeople, villagers, and merchants gathered, palms joined in reverence. The venerable sage Vasiṣṭha himself waited with the brāhmaṇas, ready for the ceremony. The king was urged to command the consecration of Rāghava without delay. Yet, it was gently reminded that a kingdom without its king is like cattle without a herdsman, an army without a leader, a night without the moon, or cows without a bull. The absence of the king would leave the realm bereft. Hearing these meaningful words, the king was overwhelmed by grief. Looking at his son, he spoke to his charioteer, his joy vanished. His eyes reddened with sorrow, he said, “Indeed, with your words you cut my heart again.” Witnessing the king’s dejection and hearing his sorrowful words, Sumantra, the charioteer, respectfully withdrew a little. The king, unable to speak further out of distress, was then addressed by Kaikeyī, adept in counsel. She told 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.” Sumantra hesitated: “How can I go, noble lady, without hearing the king’s command?” Hearing this, the king spoke, “Sumantra, I will see Rāma; quickly bring the handsome one.” Hope blossomed in the king’s heart, thinking good fortune was at hand. At the king’s command, Sumantra departed swiftly and joyfully, reflecting on Kaikeyī’s urging. He thought, “Surely, the righteous king will summon Rāma here for the consecration.” Eager to see Rāghava, Sumantra left the splendid inner quarters, which resembled the ocean or a great lake, and saw the crowded gateway ahead. Emerging from the palace, he looked at those stationed at the king’s gate and saw many wealthy citizens gathered at the entrance. Now begins the fifteenth sarga. Having passed that night, the brāhmaṇas, accomplished in the Vedas, together with the royal priest, assembled in the court. Ministers, army chiefs, and the foremost citizens gathered joyfully for Rāghava’s consecration. When the pure sun had risen and the auspicious day of Puṣya arrived, with the ascendant in Cancer—the time of Rāma’s birth was established. For Rāma’s consecration, the foremost brāhmaṇas had prepared golden water vessels and a splendidly adorned auspicious seat. A chariot was covered with a shining tiger skin, and water was brought from the sacred confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā, and from other holy rivers, lakes, wells, and ponds—those flowing east, upward, across, and those with milky waters. Water was also collected from the oceans, along with honey, curds, ghee, parched grains, darbha grass, flowers, and milk. Eight beautiful maidens and a noble, intoxicated elephant were present. Water jars, covered with milk, made of gold and silver, were filled and ready. They shone, adorned with lotuses and water-lilies, white as the moon’s disk, and decorated with jewels. Ready for Rāma stood the finest yak-tail fan and a white parasol, radiant like the moon’s orb. Splendid, auspicious paraphernalia for the consecration was prepared, including a white bull and white horses. All musical instruments and bards assembled, as befitting the consecration of the kings of the Ikṣvāku line. All prescribed items for the prince’s consecration were brought together at the king’s command. Yet, not seeing the king, those gathered asked, “Who will inform the king for us? We do not see the king, and the sun has already risen.” Sumantra, honored by the king, addressed them: “By the king’s order, I have gone quickly to fetch Rāma. You are all worthy of honor from the king, and especially from Rāma; on the king’s behalf, I ask about your well-being, O blessed ones. The king has awakened, but the reason for his not coming is…” With these words, the learned Sumantra went to the inner palace gate. Sumantra, always devoted to the palace, entered and praised the lineage of the lord of men. Reaching the king’s sleeping chamber, he stood nearby, waiting outside the inner curtain. He praised Rāghava with blessings full of virtues, and invoked Soma and Sūrya, as well as Śiva and Vaiśravaṇa, for the descendant of Kakutstha.