Sumantra, the venerable minister, spent the night restless and exhausted, his heart longing for Rāma’s consecration. At last, sleep overtook him. But as dawn approached, he was roused with urgency. “Go quickly, charioteer, and bring the illustrious prince Rāma,” he was told. “There is no need for delay—may good fortune attend you.” Yet Sumantra hesitated. “How can I go, noble lady, without hearing the king’s command?” he asked, mindful of his duty. Hearing these words, the king himself spoke to Sumantra: “Sumantra, I wish to see Rāma. Bring the handsome prince at once.” The king, believing that all was auspicious, felt joy arise within his heart. At the king’s command, Sumantra departed swiftly, his steps light with hope. Urged on, he reflected, “Surely, the righteous king will summon Rāma now for the consecration.” Filled with joy at this thought, he hastened from the inner palace quarters—grand as the ocean or a great lake—toward the gateway, which was crowded with people. Emerging into the forecourt, Sumantra saw those stationed at the king’s gate and observed many wealthy citizens gathered at the entrance, standing in expectation. As the night passed, the learned brāhmaṇas, versed in the Vedas, assembled at the royal court with the royal priest. Ministers, army chiefs, and the foremost citizens all gathered, their hearts joyful at the prospect of Rāghava’s consecration. With the pure sun risen, the auspicious day of Puṣya had arrived, the ascendant in Cancer, and the time of Rāma’s birth established. For the ceremony, the foremost brāhmaṇas had prepared golden water vessels and a splendid, adorned seat. A chariot, covered with a shining tiger skin, stood ready, and sacred water was brought from the confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā, as well as from other holy rivers, lakes, wells, and ponds—those flowing east, upward, across, and even those with milky waters. Water was also drawn from the oceans, and all the requisite items were gathered: 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, stood filled and ready. These jars, adorned with lotuses and water-lilies, shone pure and white as the moon, decorated with radiant jewels. For Rāma, the finest yak-tail fan and a white parasol, glowing like the moon, were prepared. All the auspicious paraphernalia for the consecration was in place—splendid, shining, and befitting the occasion. A white bull and white horses were also made ready. Musicians and bards had assembled as was proper for the consecration of a prince from the Ikṣvāku line. All that was prescribed for Rāma’s anointing had been brought together at the king’s command. But when they did not see the king, the assembled asked, “Who will inform the king for us? The sun has already risen, but the king is not here.” Sumantra, honored by the king, addressed them: “By the king’s order, I have gone swiftly to fetch Rāma. You are all worthy of honor from the king, and especially from Rāma. On the king’s behalf, I inquire after your well-being, O blessed ones. The king has awakened, but the reason for his absence is…” With these words, the learned minister proceeded to the inner palace gate. Ever devoted to the royal household, Sumantra entered the lord’s residence and praised the king’s illustrious lineage. Reaching the king’s sleeping chamber, he stood respectfully outside the inner curtain, waiting. There, Sumantra offered blessings upon Rāghava, invoking Soma and Sūrya, as well as Śiva and Vaiśravaṇa. “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 duty. The foremost brāhmaṇas, leaders of the army, and townspeople have all assembled, desiring your presence. Awaken, O Rāghava.” Thus praised and urged by Sumantra, the king awoke and spoke: “Bring Rāma here, as I instructed you. Why is my command delayed? I am not deeply asleep—bring Rāghava at once.” King Daśaratha thus pressed the charioteer again. Hearing the king’s command, Sumantra bowed in reverence and departed the royal residence. Believing he bore joyful news, he entered the royal road, adorned with banners and flags fluttering in the morning light. Delighted, Sumantra proceeded quickly, observing the city as he went. All around, he heard conversations filled with happiness about Rāma’s consecration, a joy shared by all the people. Soon he beheld Rāma’s splendid residence, radiant as Mount Kailāsa, with grand doors closed and adorned with many balconies. The house stood out with golden images, gateways arched with jewels and coral, shining like autumn clouds, and glowing like a cave of Mount Meru—a fitting home for the noble Rāghava.