As the blessed night gave way to dawn, the palace stirred with anticipation. Sumantra, the wise charioteer, approached King Daśaratha, respectfully urging him to awaken. “The night has passed, O tiger among kings,” he said, “your task is accomplished. It is time to rise and attend to the next duty.” The preparations for Rāma’s consecration were complete; townspeople, country folk, and merchants stood outside with hands joined in reverence, eager for the auspicious event. The venerable sage Vasiṣṭha, accompanied by the learned brāhmaṇas, waited patiently. Sumantra implored the king, “All is ready. Command, O King, the consecration of Rāghava.” He reminded Daśaratha 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—bereft and directionless. Without the king’s presence, the kingdom would lose its vitality. Hearing Sumantra’s gentle yet meaningful words, King Daśaratha was overwhelmed by grief. He turned to his charioteer, his joy vanished, and spoke of his son, Rāma. His eyes, reddened with sorrow, shone with righteousness and splendor as he looked up and said, “Indeed, your words cut my heart again.” Witnessing the king’s deep distress and hearing his sorrowful words, Sumantra withdrew a little, hands joined in respect. When the king, overcome by emotion, could not speak further, Kaikeyī, skilled in counsel, addressed Sumantra. She explained, “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 hesitated. “How can I go, noble lady, without hearing the king’s command?” Hearing this, the king summoned his strength and spoke to Sumantra: “Sumantra, I will see Rāma; quickly bring the handsome one.” Hope blossomed in his heart, thinking that 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.” Filled with joy, the mighty Sumantra left the splendid inner quarters—like the ocean or a great lake—and saw the crowded gateway ahead. Emerging from the palace, he looked at those gathered at the king’s gate: wealthy citizens, townspeople, and country folk, all standing at the entrance, awaiting the momentous event. Now begins the fifteenth sarga. With the passing of the night, the brāhmaṇas accomplished in the Vedas, together with the royal priest, assembled at the court. Ministers, chiefs of the army, and the foremost citizens gathered joyfully for Rāghava’s consecration. The pure sun had risen, and the day of Puṣya had arrived, with the ascendant in Cancer—the very time of Rāma’s birth. For Rāma’s consecration, the foremost brahmins 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, 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 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, were of gold and silver, filled and ready. They were adorned with lotuses and water-lilies, shining white as the moon’s disk and decorated with jewels. The finest yak-tail fan and a radiant white parasol, like the moon’s orb, were prepared for Rāma. Splendid, shining, auspicious paraphernalia for the consecration had been assembled; a white bull and white horses were set in place. All musical instruments and bards gathered, as befitted the consecration of the kings of the Ikṣvāku line. Thus, all that was prescribed for the prince’s consecration was brought together at the king’s command. Yet, not seeing the king, the assembled wondered, “Who will inform the king for us? The sun has already risen, but we do not see him.” Sumantra, honored by the king, spoke to 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 moved toward the inner palace gate. Always attached to the palace, Sumantra entered the house of the lord of men, praising the royal lineage as he went. Reaching the king’s sleeping chamber, he stood nearby, waiting outside the inner curtain. He invoked blessings for Rāghava, full of virtues, and also for Soma and Sūrya, Śiva and Vaiśravaṇa. He prayed, “May Varuṇa, Agni, and Indra grant you victory; the blessed night has passed, and an auspicious day has arrived. Awaken, O tiger among kings, and attend to your immediate duties; the foremost Brahmins, leaders of the army, and townspeople have all gathered here.” Thus, the palace was filled with anticipation and reverence, as all awaited the king’s command and the arrival of Rāma for his consecration.