As dawn broke after a momentous night, the learned brāhmaṇas, masters of the Vedas, gathered together with the royal priest in the court. Ministers, army chiefs, and the foremost citizens of Ayodhyā assembled joyfully, all eager for Rāghava’s consecration. The pure sun rose, bathing the city in golden light, as the auspicious day of Puṣya arrived, with the ascendant in Cancer—the very time of Rāma’s birth now manifest. For this sacred occasion, the foremost brāhmaṇas had prepared golden vessels filled with holy water and set out a splendid, auspicious seat, richly adorned for Rāma. A chariot, 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 gathered from other holy rivers, lakes, wells, and ponds—those flowing eastward, upward, across, and even those with milky waters. Water from the oceans was added, along with honey, curds, ghee, parched grains, darbha grass, flowers, and milk. Eight beautiful maidens and a noble, majestic elephant were present for the ceremony. Golden and silver jars, covered with milk and filled with pure water, stood ready—adorned with lotuses and water-lilies, shining white as the moon’s disk, and decorated with radiant jewels. The finest yak-tail fan and a white parasol, glowing like the moon, were prepared for Rāma. The auspicious paraphernalia gleamed, and a white bull and white horses stood in readiness. All the musical instruments and bards had assembled, as was fitting for the consecration of a king from the Ikṣvāku lineage. Thus, having brought all that was prescribed for the prince’s consecration, everyone gathered at the king’s command. But when they did not see the king, they wondered among themselves, “Who will inform the king for us? We do not see him, and the sun has already risen.” Sumantra, the king’s honored charioteer, 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 after 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. Sumantra, ever attached to the palace, entered the house of the lord of men, praising the king’s noble lineage as he went. Reaching the king’s sleeping chamber, he stood respectfully near, waiting outside the inner curtain. There, he invoked blessings for Rāghava, extolling his virtues, and prayed to 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. He called out, “Awaken, O tiger among kings, and attend to your immediate duties. The foremost brāhmaṇas, leaders of the army, and the townspeople have all gathered here. They desire to see you; awaken, O Rāghava.” Thus did Sumantra, wise in counsel, praise and rouse the king. King Daśaratha, now awake, spoke: “Bring Rāma here, as I had instructed you. Why is my command delayed? I am not deeply asleep; bring Rāghava here at once.” Again the king urged Sumantra, who bowed in reverence at the command. Departing from the royal residence, Sumantra believed he bore joyful news. He entered the royal road, which was adorned with banners and flags fluttering in the morning breeze. Delighted, he moved quickly, listening to the people’s happy conversations about Rāma’s imminent consecration. All the city was filled with joy. As Sumantra approached, he beheld Rāma’s splendid house, radiant like Mount Kailāsa. The residence shone like Indra’s own palace, with grand doors closed and adorned with many balconies. Its golden images, jeweled and coral-arched gateways, and cloud-like brilliance made it resemble a cave of Mount Meru. Garlands of precious gems hung everywhere; pearls and jewels were strewn about, and the air was perfumed with sandalwood and agaru. The house exuded delightful fragrances, like a mountain peak in the rainy season, and was alive with the calls of cranes and peacocks. Beautifully carved deer surrounded the house, captivating all who gazed upon them with their brilliance. The residence gleamed like the sun and moon, rivaling Kubera’s mansion and Indra’s abode, and was filled with the songs of various birds. The charioteer saw Rāma’s house, lofty as Mount Meru’s peak, crowded with people who had gathered, hands joined in anticipation. Country folk had assembled, their faces shining with hope for Rāma’s consecration. Majestic as a great cloud, splendid and lofty, the house was filled with gems and even surrounded by dwarfs. Sumantra, riding his horse-drawn chariot, brought life to the royal palace, making it shine as he approached with his splendid escort, delighting the hearts of all the city’s people. When he reached the magnificent, wealthy house, Sumantra’s hair stood on end with joy. The house, teeming with deer and peacocks, was as splendid as the abode of Indra’s own queen.