As the blessed night gave way to the dawn of an auspicious day, Sumantra, the wise charioteer, invoked the blessings of Varuṇa, Agni, and Indra, praying that they grant victory to the king. He gently urged the king, “Awaken, O tiger among kings, for the foremost Brahmins, the leaders of your army, and the townspeople have all assembled, awaiting your presence. The people long to see you, O Rāghava.” Thus, Sumantra praised and roused the king with skillful words. Roused from rest, King Daśaratha spoke: “Bring Rāma here, as I instructed you. Why is my command delayed? I am not in deep sleep—bring Rāghava at once.” Again, the king pressed Sumantra to fulfill his wish. Hearing the king’s words, Sumantra bowed his head in reverence and departed from the royal residence, his heart buoyant, thinking he carried joyful news. He entered the royal road, which was festooned with banners and flags, and as he went, he heard the people’s conversations—filled with happiness about Rāma’s imminent consecration. The city brimmed with joy, and soon Sumantra beheld Rāma’s magnificent house, radiant like Mount Kailāsa itself. The residence shone like Indra’s palace, its great doors closed and adorned with balconies, golden images, jeweled gateways, and coral arches. The mansion resembled autumn clouds, glowing like a cave of Mount Meru, and was decorated with garlands of precious gems, pearls, and jewels, perfumed with sandalwood and agaru. Fragrant as a mountain peak in the rainy season, the house was alive with the calls of cranes and peacocks. Beautifully carved deer surrounded the palace, captivating all who saw them. The brilliance of the mansion rivaled the moon and sun, and it was as splendid as the abodes of Kubera and Indra, resounding with the songs of many birds. Sumantra saw Rāma’s house, towering like Mount Meru, crowded with people, their palms joined in reverence. Villagers had assembled, their faces beaming in anticipation of Rāma’s consecration. The mansion, majestic as a great cloud, was adorned with various gems and even surrounded by dwarfs. Riding his horse-drawn chariot, Sumantra made the palace bustle with excitement, delighting the hearts of all the city’s people as he approached with a splendid escort. Reaching the magnificent, 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. He entered chambers adorned like Kailāsa, resembling the dwellings of the gods, and passed by many devoted attendants of Rāma before reaching the pure inner quarters. There, he heard the 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 gazed upon Rāma’s splendid palace, equal to Indra’s mansion, delightful and vibrant with deer and birds, towering like Mount Meru and radiant with its own brilliance. At the entrance, villagers crowded in, bearing gifts and offering salutations, while countless vehicles made the gateway bustle with life. He saw the mighty elephant Shatruñjaya, magnificent and difficult to restrain, fit for Rāma himself. The chief ministers, accompanied by horses, chariots, and elephants, all dear to Rāma, were present as Sumantra passed through them and entered the prosperous inner palace. Unstoppable, Sumantra entered a mansion resembling a mountain peak—vast and filled with treasures—like a makara entering the ocean. Let the sixteenth chapter be heard. Crossing the palace entrance, crowded with people, Sumantra reached a secluded chamber, well-versed in ancient ways. There stood young men bearing swords and bows, adorned with polished earrings, vigilant and loyal, guarding their master. Elderly men in saffron robes, holding staffs, and women’s overseers, attentive and composed, were stationed at the door. Seeing Sumantra approach, all those eager to please Rāma quickly rose from their seats in haste and reverence. With a humble heart, Sumantra circled them and announced, “Quickly tell Rāma that Sumantra waits at the door.” Eager to serve, they promptly informed Rāma and Sītā of Sumantra’s arrival. Upon hearing the message, Rāghava, ever gracious, summoned the charioteer into his father’s inner chamber. There, Sumantra beheld Rāma, resplendent like Kubera, seated upon a golden couch with a canopy. Rāma, the scorcher of foes, was anointed with sandalwood paste of the richest hue, pure and fragrant. By his side stood Sītā, holding a yak-tail fan, adorned and radiant, like the moon beside a beautiful star. With reverence and humility, Sumantra bowed before Rāma, who shone with his own brilliance like the blazing sun. Honored by the king, Sumantra, with joined palms, addressed the radiant prince as he reclined at ease.