Sumantra, ever respectful and wise, approached the assembled elders and honored citizens, addressing them with warmth: “You are all worthy of the king’s honor, and especially of Rāma’s regard. On the king’s behalf, O blessed ones, I ask about your well-being.” He continued, “The king has awakened, but the reason for his not coming is…” With these words, Sumantra, learned and faithful, made his way toward the entrance of the inner palace. Familiar with the royal halls, Sumantra entered the house of the lord of men, Daśaratha, and offered praises to the king’s illustrious lineage. Reaching the doorway of the king’s sleeping chamber, he stood respectfully, waiting just outside the inner curtain. There, Sumantra invoked blessings upon Rāghava, extolling his virtues, and called upon Soma and Sūrya, Śiva and Vaiśravaṇa, praying for their favor upon the king. He continued his invocations: “May Varuṇa, Agni, and Indra grant you victory. The blessed night has passed, and an auspicious day has dawned.” With reverence, he urged, “Awaken, O tiger among kings, and attend to your immediate duties. The foremost Brahmins, leaders of the army, and townspeople have all gathered here, eager to see you. Awaken, O Rāghava.” Thus Sumantra, skilled in counsel, praised and encouraged his king. At last, Daśaratha awoke and spoke: “Bring Rāma here, as I instructed you.” He asked, “Why is my command delayed? I am not deeply asleep; bring Rāghava at once.” The king thus pressed Sumantra again, and the charioteer, hearing the royal command, bowed his head in deep reverence. Carrying what he believed was joyful news, Sumantra left the royal residence. He entered the main road, splendidly adorned with banners and flags, his heart light with anticipation. As he proceeded swiftly in his chariot, he heard the townsfolk’s happy conversations about Rāma and the forthcoming consecration, their voices brimming with joy. He soon beheld Rāma’s magnificent residence, radiant like Mount Kailāsa, its great doors closed and adorned with many balconies. The house gleamed with golden images and gateways arched with jewels and coral, resembling autumn clouds and glowing like a cave of Mount Meru. It was lavishly decorated with garlands of precious gems, pearls, and jewels, and perfumed with sandalwood and agaru. The air was fragrant, like a mountain peak in the rainy season, and the house resonated with the calls of cranes and peacocks. Beautifully carved deer, crafted with devotion, adorned the grounds, captivating the eyes and hearts of all who beheld them. The mansion shone with the brilliance of the moon and sun, rivaling the abodes of Kubera and Indra, and it was filled with many kinds of birds. Sumantra saw the palace, lofty as Mount Meru’s peak, crowded with people standing with joined palms, their faces aglow with anticipation for Rāma’s consecration. The mansion, majestic as a great cloud and filled with precious gems, was surrounded even by dwarfs. Riding his horse-drawn chariot, Sumantra made the royal palace bustle with activity, bringing delight to the hearts of the city’s people as he approached with a splendid escort. Arriving at the splendid, prosperous house, Sumantra was overcome with joy, his hair standing on end. The mansion, teeming with deer and peacocks, shone like the abode of Indra’s queen. Entering the inner chambers adorned like Kailāsa and resembling the dwellings of the gods, he passed by many dear and excellent attendants devoted to Rāma, finally reaching the pure inner quarters. There, Sumantra heard the joyful voices of people gathered for Rāma’s consecration, their words filled with auspicious wishes for the king’s son and delight for the whole world. He gazed upon Rāma’s palace, equal to Indra’s, delightful and inhabited by deer and birds, towering like a peak of Mount Meru and radiant with its own brilliance. At the entrance, he saw villagers bearing gifts and offering respectful salutations, with countless vehicles thronging the gateway. He also beheld the mighty elephant Shatruñjaya, splendid and fierce, fit for Rāma, its form imposing like a great cloud-covered mountain. He passed by Rāma’s chief ministers, splendidly adorned and surrounded by horses, chariots, and elephants, all dear to Rāma. Navigating through this illustrious assembly, Sumantra entered the prosperous inner palace, unstoppable in his mission, like a makara entering the ocean. Now, let the sixteenth chapter be heard. Sumantra crossed the palace entrance, crowded with people, and made his way to a secluded chamber, his mind well-versed in the ancient ways. There, young men bearing swords and bows, adorned with polished earrings, stood vigilant and loyal, guarding their master. He also saw elderly men in saffron robes, holding staffs and adorned, stationed at the door, along with attentive and composed women’s overseers. Seeing Sumantra approach, all those devoted to pleasing Rāma quickly rose from their seats in respect. With a humble heart, Sumantra circled them and said, “Quickly tell Rāma that Sumantra waits at the door.” Eager to serve, they promptly informed Rāma and his wife of Sumantra’s arrival. Upon hearing this, Rāghava, ever desirous to please, summoned Sumantra into his father’s inner chamber.