With urgency in her voice, Queen Kaikeyī called out to Sumantra, the king’s trusted charioteer: “Go quickly and bring the illustrious prince Rāma. May good fortune attend you—there is no need for further deliberation.” Sumantra, ever dutiful, hesitated for a moment and replied, “Noble lady, how can I go without hearing the king’s command?” Hearing this exchange, King Daśaratha addressed his minister, saying, “Sumantra, I wish to see Rāma. Bring the handsome prince at once.” Joy blossomed in the king’s heart, as he believed auspicious events were at hand. At the king’s command, Sumantra departed swiftly and gladly, his mind urged on by Kaikeyī’s insistence. He reflected with delight, “Surely, the righteous king will summon Rāma for his consecration.” Filled with anticipation, Sumantra left the splendid inner chambers, which gleamed like a vast ocean or a tranquil lake, and advanced toward the crowded gateway ahead. Emerging from the palace entrance, Sumantra observed those stationed at the king’s gate. There, he saw a gathering of wealthy and distinguished citizens, standing expectantly at the threshold. Now, listen to the events of the fifteenth chapter. With the night passed, the learned brāhmaṇas, accomplished in the Vedas, assembled at the royal court alongside the royal priest. The ministers, army chiefs, and foremost citizens gathered with joyful hearts, eager for Rāghava’s consecration. As the pure sun rose and the auspicious day of Puṣya arrived—with the ascendant in Cancer, matching the time of Rāma’s birth—the preparations for the sacred ceremony began. For Rāma’s consecration, the foremost brāhmaṇas had readied golden water vessels and a splendidly adorned auspicious seat. A chariot, properly covered with a shining tiger skin, awaited, 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 east, upward, across, and those with milky waters—as well as from the oceans. Honey, curds, ghee, parched grains, darbha grass, flowers, and milk were assembled. Eight beautiful maidens stood ready, along with a noble, intoxicated elephant. Water jars, covered with milk, crafted from gold and silver, were filled and prepared. These vessels, brimming with pure water and adorned with lotuses and water-lilies, shone white as the moon’s disk and were decorated with precious jewels. For Rāma, the finest yak-tail fan and a radiant white parasol, glowing like the moon’s orb, were set in place. The splendid, shining, auspicious paraphernalia for the consecration was prepared, including a white bull and white horses. All musical instruments and bards assembled, as befitted the consecration of the kings of the Ikṣvāku line. Thus, having brought all that was prescribed for the prince’s consecration, everyone gathered as commanded by the king. Yet, not seeing the king, the assembled wondered, “Who will inform the king for us? The sun has already risen, but the king is nowhere to be seen.” At that moment, 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 absence is…” With these words, the learned Sumantra went to the inner palace gate. Always devoted to the palace, Sumantra entered the house of the lord of men, praising the royal lineage as he advanced. Reaching the king’s sleeping chamber, he stood nearby, waiting outside the inner curtain. There, he blessed Rāghava with prayers full of virtues, invoking Soma and Sūrya, as well as Śiva and Vaiśravaṇa, and prayed, “May Varuṇa, Agni, and Indra grant you victory. The blessed night has passed, and an auspicious day has arrived.” He urged, “Awaken, O tiger among kings, and attend to your immediate duties. The foremost brāhmaṇas, leaders of the army, and townspeople have all gathered here. They desire to see you; awaken, O Rāghava.” Thus, Sumantra, skilled in counsel, praised the king. Awakened by these words, King Daśaratha said, “Bring Rāma here, as I instructed you. Why is my command delayed? I am not deeply asleep; bring Rāghava at once.” Again, the king urged his charioteer, and Sumantra bowed in reverence, acknowledging the command. Leaving the royal residence, Sumantra believed he carried news of great joy. He entered the royal road, adorned with banners and flags, and proceeded with delight, observing the surroundings. As he went, he heard conversations filled with happiness about Rāma’s consecration, echoing throughout the people. Soon, Sumantra beheld the splendid house of Rāma, radiant like Mount Kailāsa. The residence shone like Indra’s palace, with grand doors closed and adorned with many balconies. Golden images, jeweled and coral-arched gateways, decorated the entrance, resembling autumn clouds and glowing like a cave of Mount Meru. The mansion was magnificently adorned with garlands of precious gems, strewn with pearls and jewels, and perfumed with sandalwood and agaru, a sight befitting the beloved prince.