The preparations for Rāma’s consecration were in full swing. The auspicious and splendid paraphernalia, shining with promise, had been carefully arranged; among them stood a white bull and radiant white horses, set in place as sacred offerings for the ceremony. The air was alive with the sounds of assembled musical instruments, and bards had gathered, befitting the dignity and tradition of the Ikṣvāku kings. Everything prescribed for the prince’s consecration had been brought together at the command of the king, and all who were required for the sacred rites had assembled. As the sun rose higher in the sky, those gathered began to wonder at the king’s absence. “Who will inform the king for us?” they asked one another, “We do not see him, and the day has already begun.” At that moment, Sumantra, the charioteer honored by King Daśaratha, addressed them. “By the king’s order, I have gone quickly to fetch Rāma,” he explained. “You are all worthy of honor from the king, and especially from Rāma himself. 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…” Sumantra trailed off, and, being learned and wise, made his way to the inner gate of the palace. Sumantra, ever devoted to the royal household, entered the palace of the lord of men. As was his custom, he praised the king’s illustrious lineage as he proceeded. Reaching the king’s sleeping chamber, he stood respectfully near, waiting just outside the inner curtain. There, Sumantra offered blessings to Rāghava, invoking virtues upon him, and called upon Soma and Sūrya, Śiva and Vaiśravaṇa, praying for their favor upon the house of Kakutstha. “May Varuṇa, Agni, and Indra grant you victory,” he intoned, “for the blessed night has passed, and an auspicious day has dawned.” He addressed the king directly: “Awaken, O tiger among kings, and attend to your immediate duties. The foremost Brahmins, leaders of the army, and townspeople have all gathered here, desiring to see you. Awaken, O Rāghava.” Thus did Sumantra, skilled in counsel, praise and rouse the king. King Daśaratha, now awakened, spoke: “Bring Rāma here, as I had instructed you. Why is my command being delayed? I am not deeply asleep; bring Rāghava at once.” Once again, the king urged Sumantra to carry out his wishes. Hearing these words, Sumantra bowed his head in reverence and departed from the royal residence, his heart buoyed with the thought that he bore joyful news. He entered the royal road, which was adorned with banners and flags fluttering in the breeze. The charioteer, delighted, made his way quickly, observing the city as he went. Everywhere he heard conversations filled with happiness about Rāma’s upcoming consecration; the people’s joy was palpable. Soon he beheld Rāma’s splendid residence, radiant as Mount Kailāsa, its great doors closed and adorned with many balconies. The house stood out with golden images and gateways arched with jewels and coral, glowing like an autumn cloud or the cave of Mount Meru. It was magnificently decorated with garlands of precious gems, strewn with pearls and jewels, and perfumed with the fragrances of sandalwood and agaru. The air was sweet, like the breeze from a mountain peak in the rainy season, and the calls of cranes and peacocks resounded through the grounds. Beautifully carved deer, crafted with devotion, adorned the surroundings, captivating the eyes and hearts of all who beheld them with their radiant brilliance. The residence shone with the brilliance of the moon and sun, rivaling Kubera’s mansion and Indra’s own abode, and was alive with the songs of many birds. Sumantra saw the house, lofty as the peak of Mount Meru, crowded with people who stood with joined palms in reverence. Villagers and townsfolk, their faces beaming with anticipation for Rāma’s consecration, thronged the entrance. The house itself was majestic, like a great cloud, splendid and lofty, filled with gems and even surrounded by dwarfs. Sumantra, riding in his horse-drawn chariot, brought a bustle of activity to the royal palace, shining forth as he approached with a splendid escort, delighting the hearts of all the city’s people. Upon reaching the magnificent and 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 queen. Inside, the chambers were adorned like Kailāsa itself, resembling the dwellings of the gods. Passing by many dear and devoted attendants of Rāma, Sumantra reached the pure inner quarters. There he heard the joyful voices of people gathered for Rāma’s consecration, their words ringing with auspicious wishes for the king’s son and delight for the whole world. Sumantra beheld Rāma’s palace, equal to Indra’s mansion, delightful and teeming with deer and birds, towering like a peak of Mount Meru and radiant with its own light. The entrance was crowded with villagers bearing gifts and offering respectful salutations, and countless vehicles were parked, making the gateway a scene of bustling activity. There he saw the mighty elephant Shatruñjaya, fit for Rāma, as imposing as a great cloud-covered mountain, fierce and difficult to restrain even with goads. Among the throng were Rāma’s chief ministers, splendidly adorned and accompanied by horses, chariots, and elephants—all dear to Rāma. Sumantra passed through them on every side and entered the prosperous inner palace. Unstoppable, Sumantra entered a mansion vast as a mountain peak, filled with treasures, like a makara slipping into the ocean’s depths. Thus begins the sixteenth chapter. Sumantra crossed the palace entrance, which was crowded with people, and, well-versed in ancient ways, made his way to a secluded chamber. There, young men stood guard—each bearing swords and bows, adorned with polished earrings, vigilant and focused, their loyalty to their master unwavering.