At King Daśaratha’s command, Sumantra, the wise and devoted charioteer, departed swiftly and with a heart full of joy. Prompted by the queen’s urging, he pondered the king’s intentions as he hurried along. “Surely, the righteous king will summon Rāma for his consecration,” Sumantra thought, his spirit uplifted by anticipation. Eager to see Rāghava, Sumantra left the splendid inner chambers, which shimmered like the ocean or a great lake, and approached the palace gateway, now bustling with activity. As he emerged at the front, he glanced at those stationed by the king’s door and saw gathered there a throng of wealthy citizens, all standing expectantly at the entrance. Meanwhile, the dawn broke, ushering in an auspicious day. The brāhmaṇas, learned in the Vedas, assembled together with the royal priest in the king’s court. The ministers, chiefs of the army, and the foremost citizens all gathered, their hearts joyful at the prospect of Rāghava’s consecration. As the pure sun rose, the day of Puṣya arrived, with the ascendant in Cancer—just as it was at Rāma’s birth. For this sacred occasion, the foremost brāhmaṇas had prepared golden vessels filled with water and set out a splendidly adorned, auspicious seat. A chariot, properly covered with a shining tiger skin, awaited, and water had been fetched from the sacred confluence of the Gaṅgā and Yamunā. Water was also brought from other holy rivers, lakes, wells, and ponds—from those flowing east, upward, and across, and even from those with milky waters. Ocean water was gathered as well, along with honey, curds, ghee, parched grains, darbha grass, flowers, and milk. Eight beautiful maidens and a noble, intoxicated elephant were present, while golden and silver water jars, filled and covered with milk, were made ready. The jars, filled with pure water and adorned with lotuses and water-lilies, shone as white as the moon’s disk and were decorated with jewels. For Rāma, the finest yak-tail fan and a white parasol, radiant like the moon, were prepared. All the auspicious paraphernalia for the consecration gleamed, including a white bull and white horses, all set in place. Musicians and bards assembled, as was proper for the consecration of a prince from the Ikṣvāku dynasty. Everything prescribed for the prince’s consecration was gathered there at the king’s command. But when the assembly did not see the king, they wondered, “Who will inform the king for us? The sun has already risen, yet the king is not here.” At that moment, 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 of your well-being, O blessed ones. The king has awakened, but the reason for his not coming is…” With these words, the wise Sumantra made his way to the inner palace gate. Deeply attached to the royal household, Sumantra entered the house of the lord of men, praising the illustrious lineage as he went. Reaching the king’s sleeping chamber, he stood respectfully, waiting just outside the inner curtain. There, he offered blessings to Rāghava, invoking all virtues, and called upon Soma, Sūrya, Śiva, and Vaiśravaṇa. He prayed that Varuṇa, Agni, and Indra would grant victory, noting that the blessed night had passed and an auspicious day had arrived. “Awaken, O tiger among kings, and attend to your immediate duties,” Sumantra urged. “The foremost brāhmaṇas, leaders of the army, and townspeople have all gathered here, desiring to see you. Awaken, O Rāghava.” Thus, the charioteer, skilled in counsel, praised the king. Stirred from his rest, 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, the king again urged Sumantra, who bowed his head in reverence upon hearing the command. Sumantra departed from the royal residence, his heart alight with the joyful task before him. As he entered the royal road, adorned with banners and flags, he moved quickly, delight filling his every step. Along the way, he heard the people speaking joyfully about Rāma’s consecration, their happiness echoing everywhere. Soon, Sumantra beheld the splendid residence of Rāma, radiant like Mount Kailāsa. Rāma’s house shone like Indra’s palace, with grand doors closed and adorned with many balconies. Its gateways arched with jewels and coral, gleaming like autumn clouds and glowing like a cave of Mount Meru. The mansion was magnificently decorated with garlands of precious gems, strewn with pearls and jewels, and perfumed with sandalwood and agaru. It exuded delightful fragrances like a mountain peak in the rainy season and was alive with the calls of cranes and peacocks. All around, beautifully crafted deer stood, carved with devotion, captivating the hearts and eyes of all who beheld them. The residence shone with the brilliance of the moon and sun, rivaling Kubera’s mansion and Indra’s abode, and was filled with the sweet songs of various birds. Thus, Sumantra arrived at the threshold of Rāma’s radiant home, ready to fulfill his sacred duty.