When King Daśaratha, overwhelmed by distress, could not utter a word himself, Kaikeyī, ever skilled in counsel, addressed Sumantra, the charioteer. She explained that the king, who had longed for Rāma’s consecration, had spent the previous night sleepless and drained, and had now finally succumbed to slumber. With urgency, she instructed Sumantra to go swiftly and bring the illustrious prince Rāma, assuring him that there was no need for further deliberation. Sumantra, however, replied respectfully, “Noble lady, how can I go without hearing the king’s command?” Upon hearing this, the king managed to speak to his minister, instructing him, “Sumantra, I wish to see Rāma; quickly bring the handsome one.” Daśaratha’s heart was filled with joy, believing that good fortune was at hand. At the king’s command, Sumantra departed swiftly and joyfully, urged on by Kaikeyī’s insistence. As he hurried, he reflected, “Surely, the righteous king will summon Rāma for his consecration.” Filled with great joy at the thought, Sumantra, eager to see Rāghava, left the splendid inner quarters—so grand they resembled the vastness of the ocean or a great lake—and approached the crowded gateway ahead. Emerging from the palace, Sumantra looked at those stationed at the king’s gate, and saw wealthy citizens gathered, standing at the entrance. The anticipation among them was palpable. 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 the foremost citizens all gathered joyfully for Rāghava’s consecration. When the pure sun had risen and the auspicious day of Puṣya arrived, with the ascendant in Cancer, and the precise time of Rāma’s birth established, preparations for Rāma’s consecration were underway. The foremost brahmins had prepared golden water vessels and a splendidly adorned auspicious seat. A chariot, properly covered with a shining tiger skin, was made ready, and water was brought from the sacred confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā. Water was also collected from other holy rivers, lakes, wells, and ponds—those flowing eastward, upward, across, and those with milky waters—as well as from the oceans. Honey, curds, ghee, parched grains, darbha grass, flowers, and milk were gathered for the rituals. Eight beautiful maidens and a noble, intoxicated elephant were present. Water jars, covered with milk, crafted from gold and silver, were filled and ready. These jars, 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. The splendid, shining, auspicious paraphernalia for the consecration was prepared, including a white bull and white horses. All the musical instruments and the bards were assembled, as befitted the consecration of the kings of the Ikṣvāku line. Thus, everything prescribed for the prince’s consecration was brought together at the king’s command. However, not seeing the king, those assembled wondered, “Who will inform the king for us? We do not see the king, and the sun has already risen.” Sumantra, honored by the king, spoke to them, saying, “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 made his way to the inner palace gate. Ever attached to the palace, Sumantra entered the house of the lord of men, praising the royal lineage as he did so. Reaching the king’s sleeping chamber, he stood nearby, waiting outside the inner curtain. He praised Rāghava with blessings full of virtue, invoking Soma and Sūrya, as well as Śiva and Vaiśravaṇa. He prayed that Varuṇa, Agni, and Indra would grant victory, declaring that the blessed night had passed and an auspicious day had arrived. “O tiger among kings,” Sumantra urged, “awaken and attend to your immediate duties. The foremost Brahmins, leaders of the army, and townspeople have all gathered here. They desire to see you; awaken, O Rāghava.” Thus the charioteer, skilled in counsel, praised the king. Having awakened, King Daśaratha spoke, “Bring Rāma here, as I had instructed you. Why is my command being delayed? I am not deeply asleep; bring Rāghava here at once.” Thus, King Daśaratha again urged Sumantra, who, hearing the command, bowed his head in reverence. Sumantra departed from the royal residence, believing he was carrying joyful news. He entered the royal road, adorned with banners and flags. Delighted and joyful, he proceeded quickly, observing as he went; everywhere, he heard conversations concerning Rāma. The people were filled with happiness about the upcoming consecration. Then Sumantra beheld the splendid house, radiant like Mount Kailāsa. He saw Rāma’s residence, shining like Indra’s palace, with great doors closed and adorned with many balconies, ready to welcome the prince destined for greatness.