All the musical instruments and bards had gathered together, just as was fitting for the consecration of a prince from the illustrious Ikṣvāku dynasty. Everything required for the great ceremony had been assembled at the king’s command, and the royal court was filled with anticipation. Yet, as the appointed hour drew near and the sun had already risen, those assembled began to wonder at the king’s absence. They turned to one another and asked, “Who will inform the king for us? We do not see him, and the sun is already high in the sky.” At that moment, Sumantra, the charioteer honored by the king, addressed them. “By the king’s order,” he said, “I have gone swiftly to fetch Rāma.” With respect, he continued, “You are all worthy of honor from the king, and especially from Rāma. On the king’s behalf, I inquire after your well-being, O blessed ones. The king has awakened, but the reason for his not coming is—” Sumantra paused, his words trailing off as he made his way toward the inner palace gate. Ever loyal to the royal household, Sumantra entered the palace of the great king Daśaratha. As he crossed the threshold of the lord of men, he praised the king’s noble lineage. Reaching the king’s sleeping chamber, he stood respectfully near, waiting outside the inner curtain. There, he offered blessings for Rāghava, invoking Soma and Sūrya, as well as Śiva and Vaiśravaṇa, praying for their favor upon the prince. He prayed further: “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 wish to see you—awaken, O Rāghava.” Thus, Sumantra, wise in counsel, praised and called upon the king. At last, King Daśaratha awoke and spoke: “Bring Rāma here, as I had instructed you. Why has my command been delayed? I am not deeply asleep; bring Rāghava here at once.” Thus urged again by the king, Sumantra bowed his head in reverence, received the command, and departed from the royal residence, carrying what he believed to be joyful news. As Sumantra entered the royal road, adorned with banners and flags, his heart was light and full of delight. He observed the city as he went, hearing conversations everywhere about Rāma. The people were filled with joy and anticipation for the consecration, and the whole city seemed alive with happiness. Soon, Sumantra beheld the splendid house of Rāma, radiant like Mount Kailāsa, its great doors closed and adorned with many balconies. The mansion gleamed with golden images, jeweled and coral-arched gateways, resembling autumn clouds and glowing like a cave of Mount Meru. Precious garlands of gems hung from its walls, pearls and jewels were strewn about, and the air was perfumed with sandalwood and agaru. The fragrance that drifted from the palace was as delightful as the scent from a mountain peak in the rainy season, and the calls of cranes and peacocks resounded through its halls. The grounds were adorned with beautifully carved deer, crafted with devotion, captivating the hearts and eyes of all who saw them with their shining brilliance. The mansion rivaled the sun and moon in radiance, was as splendid as Kubera’s and Indra’s palaces, and teemed with many kinds of birds. The house stood lofty as the peak of Mount Meru, crowded with people who had gathered, their palms joined in reverence, their faces beaming in anticipation of Rāma’s consecration. Majestic as a great cloud, the palace was filled with gems, surrounded even by dwarfs, and bustling with activity as Sumantra’s chariot, drawn by noble horses, approached. The hearts of the city’s people were delighted at the sight. Arriving at the magnificent and wealthy house, Sumantra felt his hair stand on end with joy. The mansion, resplendent with deer and peacocks, was as splendid as the abode of Indra’s queen. Passing through chambers adorned like Kailāsa and resembling the dwellings of the gods, Sumantra made his way past many dear and excellent attendants, all devoted to Rāma, until he reached the pure inner quarters. There, he heard the joyful voices of people gathered for Rāma’s consecration, their words filled with delight and auspicious wishes for the king’s son, bringing joy to the whole world. Sumantra gazed upon Rāma’s splendid palace, equal to Indra’s own, delightful and inhabited by deer and birds, towering like a peak of Mount Meru and radiant with its own brilliance. He saw the entrance crowded with villagers bearing gifts and paying their respects, with countless vehicles parked outside, making the gateway a scene of lively activity. There he beheld the mighty elephant Shatruñjaya, fierce and magnificent, difficult to restrain even with goads, splendid and worthy of Rāma. He also saw the chief ministers, splendidly adorned and accompanied by horses, chariots, and elephants—all dear to Rāma. Passing through these loyal servants and counselors, Sumantra entered the prosperous inner palace, unstoppable in his purpose. He entered a mansion vast as a mountain peak, filled with treasures, like a makara entering the ocean’s depths. Having crossed the palace entrance, crowded with people, Sumantra, well-versed in the ancient ways, reached a secluded chamber. There, vigilant young men, bearing swords and bows, adorned with polished earrings, stood guard—loyal and attentive to their master. He also saw elderly men in saffron robes, holding staffs and adorned, stationed at the door, as well as women’s overseers, all attentive and composed, maintaining the dignity and order of the royal household.