At the king’s command, all the items required for Prince Rāma’s consecration were brought together by the attendants and assembled in anticipation. Yet, as the sun rose higher in the sky, the gathered people noticed that the king was not present among them. They wondered aloud, “Who will inform the king for us? We do not see him, and the day has already begun.” At that moment, Sumantra, the charioteer who was honored by the king, spoke reassuringly to them. “By the king’s order, I have gone swiftly to fetch Rāma,” he explained. With respect, he addressed the assembled elders and dignitaries, “You are all worthy of honor from the king, and especially from Rāma. On the king’s behalf, I inquire about your well-being, O blessed ones.” He added, “The king has awakened, but the reason for his not coming is…” and then, without finishing his sentence, the wise Sumantra made his way to the inner palace gate. Deeply loyal to the royal palace, Sumantra entered the house of the lord of men, praising the illustrious lineage as he walked. He reached the king’s sleeping chamber and stood nearby, waiting respectfully outside the inner curtain. There, he offered prayers and blessings for Rāma, invoking the virtues of the prince and calling upon Soma, Sūrya, Śiva, and Vaiśravaṇa, hoping for their favor upon the descendant of Kakutstha. He prayed, “May Varuṇa, Agni, and Indra grant you victory; the blessed night has passed and an auspicious day has arrived.” With reverence, Sumantra called out, “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, the wise charioteer praised the king, urging him to rise. King Daśaratha, now awake, responded, “Bring Rāma here, as I had instructed you.” He pressed Sumantra further, “What is the reason that my command is being delayed? I am not deeply asleep; bring Rāghava here at once.” The king repeated his order, and Sumantra, hearing this, bowed his head in reverence. Leaving the royal residence, Sumantra felt he carried joyful news. He entered the royal road, which was adorned with banners and flags, his heart filled with delight. As he proceeded quickly, he noticed conversations everywhere concerning Rāma; the people were filled with happiness about the upcoming consecration. Soon, Sumantra beheld Rāma’s splendid house, radiant like Mount Kailāsa. It shone like Indra’s palace, its great doors closed and adorned with many balconies. The gateways were crowned with golden images, jeweled arches, and coral, resembling autumn clouds and glowing like a cave of Mount Meru. The residence was magnificently decorated with garlands of precious gems, strewn with pearls and jewels, and perfumed with sandalwood and agaru. Delightful fragrances wafted through the air, like a mountain peak in the rainy season, and the calls of cranes and peacocks resounded. Surrounding the house were beautifully carved deer, crafted with devotion, captivating the minds and eyes of all with their brilliant radiance. The mansion shone with the brilliance of the moon and sun, resembled Kubera’s mansion, matched Indra’s abode, and was filled with various birds. It towered like the peak of Mount Meru, crowded with people who had gathered and stood with joined palms, their faces beaming in anticipation of Rāma’s consecration. Majestic as a great cloud, splendid and lofty, the house was filled with various gems and surrounded even by dwarfs. Sumantra, riding his horse-drawn chariot, made the royal palace bustle with activity, delighting the hearts of all the city’s people as he approached the king’s residence with a splendid escort. 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 reached the pure inner quarters. There, he heard joyful voices of people gathered for Rāma’s consecration, expressing auspicious wishes for the king’s son, their words filled with delight for the whole world. Sumantra beheld Rāma’s splendid palace, equal to Indra’s mansion, delightful and inhabited by deer and birds, towering like a peak of Mount Meru and radiant with its own brilliance. At the entrance, villagers crowded, bearing gifts and offering respectful salutations, and countless vehicles were parked, making the gateway thronged and bustling. Sumantra saw the mighty elephant Shatruñjaya, fierce and difficult to restrain, splendid and fit for Rāma, resembling a great cloud-covered mountain. He also saw the chief ministers, splendidly adorned, accompanied by horses, chariots, and elephants, all dear to Rāma. Passing through them, Sumantra entered the prosperous inner palace. Unstoppable, Sumantra entered a mansion resembling a mountain peak and a vast palace filled with treasures, like a makara entering the ocean. Let the sixteenth chapter be heard. Sumantra crossed the palace entrance, crowded with people, and reached a secluded chamber, well-versed in ancient ways. There, young men bearing swords and bows, adorned with polished earrings, vigilant and focused, loyal to their master, stood guard. He saw elderly men in saffron robes, holding staffs and adorned, stationed at the door, and women’s overseers, attentive and composed. Seeing Sumantra approaching, all those eager to please Rāma quickly rose from their seats in haste and reverence, ready to welcome him and fulfill their duties for the prince’s consecration.