On the auspicious morning of Rāma’s consecration, the atmosphere in Ayodhyā was vibrant and filled with joy. Ministers, army chiefs, and the leading citizens—all those who cherished Rāghava—gathered together, their hearts alight with happiness at the prospect of his coronation. With the pure sun risen and the sacred day of Puṣya arrived, the stars aligned favorably: the ascendant was in Cancer, and the time of Rāma’s birth had been established. The foremost brahmins had made careful preparations, arranging golden water vessels and adorning an auspicious seat for Rāma with splendid decorations. A chariot, covered with a shining tiger skin, was set up, 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 even those with milky waters. They gathered water from the oceans as well, along with honey, curds, ghee, parched grains, darbha grass, flowers, and milk. Eight beautiful maidens stood ready, and a noble, intoxicated elephant was present. Water jars, covered with milk, made of gold and silver, were filled and waiting. These vessels, brimming with pure water adorned with lotuses and water-lilies, shone white as the moon’s disk and were decorated with jewels. For Rāma, the finest yak-tail fan was prepared, and a white parasol, radiant like the moon’s orb, was set aside. The splendid, shining, auspicious paraphernalia for the consecration was all in place, including a white bull and white horses. All the musical instruments and bards had assembled, as befitted the consecration of a prince in the illustrious Ikṣvāku lineage. Everything prescribed for the prince’s consecration had been brought together at the king’s command, and the assembly gathered, eager for the proceedings to begin. Yet, not seeing the king, they wondered aloud, “Who will inform the king for us? We do not see him, and the sun has already risen.” Sumantra, the 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 proceeded to the inner palace gate. Sumantra, ever attached to the royal palace, entered the house of the lord of men and praised the king’s noble lineage. Reaching the king’s sleeping chamber, he stood near, waiting outside the inner curtain. There, he praised Rāghava with blessings full of virtues, invoking Soma and Sūrya, Śiva and Vaiśravaṇa, wishing victory and auspiciousness upon him. He prayed, “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 immediate duties; the foremost Brahmins, leaders of the army, and townspeople have all gathered here. They desire to see you; awaken, O Rāghava.” Thus Sumantra, skilled in counsel, spoke with reverence. Upon awakening, King Daśaratha instructed, “Bring Rāma here, as I had told you. Why is my command being delayed? I am not deeply asleep; bring Rāghava here at once.” Again the king urged Sumantra, and the charioteer bowed his head in reverence and departed, believing he carried joyful news. Sumantra entered the royal road, adorned with banners and flags, his heart delighted and joyful. As he proceeded, he heard the people’s conversations, all filled with happiness about Rāma’s consecration. Then he beheld the splendid house of Rāma, radiant like Mount Kailāsa, its great doors closed and adorned with many balconies. The residence stood out with golden images, jeweled and coral-arched gateways, resembling autumn clouds and glowing like a cave of Mount Meru. It was magnificently decorated with garlands of precious gems, strewn with pearls and jewels, and perfumed with sandalwood and agaru. The air was filled with delightful fragrances, like a mountain peak in the rainy season, and resounded with the calls of cranes and peacocks. Surrounding the house were beautifully carved deer, crafted with devotion, captivating the minds and eyes of all who beheld them with their brilliant radiance. The house shone with the brilliance of the moon and sun, resembling Kubera’s mansion and Indra’s abode, and was filled with various birds. Sumantra gazed upon Rāma’s house, lofty as the peak of Mount Meru, crowded with people who had gathered and stood with joined palms. Country folk had assembled, their faces beaming in anticipation of Rāma’s consecration. The house was majestic as a great cloud, splendid and lofty, filled with various gems, and surrounded even by dwarfs. Riding a horse-drawn chariot, Sumantra made the royal palace bustle with activity, shining forth. As he approached the king’s residence with a splendid escort, he delighted the hearts of all the people of the city. Upon reaching the magnificent and wealthy house, Sumantra’s hair stood on end with joy; the house, teeming with deer and peacocks, was splendid like the abode of Indra’s queen. Entering chambers adorned like Kailāsa and resembling the dwellings of the gods, Sumantra passed by many dear and excellent attendants devoted to Rāma, and finally reached the pure inner quarters, ready to fulfill the king’s command.