As dawn approached in Ayodhyā, the wise charioteer Sumantra entered the royal chambers, gently urging the slumbering King Daśaratha to awaken. “O tiger among kings,” he said with respectful urgency, “rise and attend to your immediate duties. The foremost Brahmins, the leaders of the army, and the townspeople have all gathered here, awaiting your presence.” He continued, “They all wish to see you, O Rāghava. Please awaken.” Thus, Sumantra, skilled in wise counsel, praised and encouraged the king to rise. Stirring from his rest, King Daśaratha opened his eyes and spoke, “Bring Rāma here, just as I instructed you before.” A trace of impatience colored his voice as he added, “Why is my command being delayed? I am not deeply asleep—bring Rāghava here at once.” Again, Daśaratha pressed Sumantra to fulfill his command. Hearing the king’s words, Sumantra bowed his head in reverence and promptly departed from the royal residence, believing he was the bearer of joyful news. He entered the royal road, which was splendidly adorned with banners and flags fluttering in the morning breeze. Delighted and eager, Sumantra made his way swiftly, keenly observing the city as he passed. All around, he overheard conversations about Rāma—everywhere, people’s hearts brimmed with happiness over the impending consecration. The whole city seemed to share in this joyful anticipation. Soon, Sumantra beheld Rāma’s magnificent residence. It shone with a brilliance akin to Mount Kailāsa, its great doors closed and adorned with balconies, resplendent like the palace of Indra. The house stood out with golden images, jeweled and coral-arched gateways, resembling autumn clouds and glowing with the radiance of a cave on Mount Meru. Garlands of precious gems decorated the mansion, pearls and jewels were strewn about, and the air was perfumed with sandalwood and agaru. Fragrances as delightful as a mountain peak in the rainy season wafted through the air, mingling with the calls of cranes and peacocks. Around the residence, beautifully carved deer, made with devotion, captivated the eyes and minds of all who beheld them. The house glowed with the brilliance of the sun and moon, rivaling the mansions of Kubera and Indra, and was alive with the sounds of many birds. Sumantra saw Rāma’s home rising like the lofty peak of Mount Meru, crowded with people who had gathered, their palms joined in reverence. Country folk had assembled there, their faces radiant with anticipation of Rāma’s consecration. The house itself was majestic as a great cloud, lofty and filled with various gems, and even surrounded by dwarfs. Sumantra, riding in his horse-drawn chariot, made the royal palace bustle with activity and shone forth as he approached, delighting the hearts of all the city’s people. Arriving at the splendid and prosperous house, Sumantra felt his hair stand on end with joy. The mansion, alive with deer and peacocks, was as resplendent as the abode of Indra’s queen. Entering chambers adorned like Mount Kailāsa and resembling the dwellings of the gods, Sumantra passed by many dear and devoted attendants of Rāma and reached 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—words filled with delight for the entire world. Sumantra beheld Rāma’s palace, equal to Indra’s own, inhabited by deer and birds, towering like Mount Meru and radiant with its own brilliance. At the entrance, villagers crowded together, bearing gifts and offering respectful salutations, with countless vehicles parked nearby, making the gateway a scene of bustling activity. Sumantra also saw the mighty elephant Shatruñjaya, splendid and fit for Rāma, resembling a great cloud-covered mountain, fierce and difficult to restrain, with an imposing form. He observed Rāma’s chief ministers, splendidly adorned and accompanied by horses, chariots, and elephants, all dear to Rāma. Passing through their midst, Sumantra entered the prosperous inner palace, unstoppable in his purpose. Like a makara entering the ocean, he entered a mansion vast as a mountain peak and filled with treasures. Having crossed the palace entrance, which was crowded with people, Sumantra, well-versed in ancient customs, reached a secluded chamber. There, young men bearing swords and bows, adorned with polished earrings, stood vigilant and loyal to their master. He also saw elderly men in saffron robes, holding staffs and adorned, stationed at the door, along with women’s overseers—attentive and composed. 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 said, “Quickly tell Rāma that Sumantra waits at the door.” Eager to serve their master, the attendants promptly informed Rāma and his wife of Sumantra’s arrival. Upon hearing this, Rāghava, ever desiring to please, summoned the charioteer into his father’s inner chamber. Entering, Sumantra saw Rāma seated upon a golden couch with a canopy, adorned and radiant, resembling Kubera himself. Rāma, the scorcher of foes, was anointed with fragrant sandalwood paste of the deepest hue, pure and of supreme value. By his side stood Sītā, holding a yak-tail fan, adorned and resplendent, like the moon attended by a beautiful star. The charioteer, skilled in humility, bowed to Rāma, who shone with his own brilliance like the blazing sun, the bestower of boons. Honored by the king, Sumantra, with joined palms, addressed the prince, whose face was radiant as he reclined at ease: “O Rāma, son of Kausalyā, your father wishes to see you. Go there without delay, along with Queen Kaikeyī.