The house of Rāma stood out in Ayodhyā, a vision of splendor and majesty. Its golden images gleamed, gateways arched with jewels and coral, glowing like autumn clouds and radiant as the cave of Mount Meru. Magnificently adorned, garlands of precious gems hung from its walls; pearls and jewels were strewn everywhere, and the air was perfumed with sandalwood and agaru, filling every corner with delightful fragrances. Like a mountain peak in the rainy season, the palace was alive with the calls of cranes and peacocks, and its surroundings were graced by beautifully carved deer, crafted with devotion, captivating the hearts and eyes of all who beheld its brilliant radiance. Its brilliance rivaled the moon and sun, and it seemed as splendid as Kubera’s mansion or Indra’s celestial abode, filled with many birds. When the royal charioteer approached, he beheld Rāma’s house, towering like the peak of Mount Meru. Crowds of people had gathered there, standing with joined palms in reverence. Country folk thronged the palace, their faces beaming with anticipation for Rāma’s consecration. The house was majestic as a great cloud, lofty and filled with gems, and even surrounded by dwarfs. As the charioteer rode his horse-drawn chariot, the palace bustled with activity, shining forth. With a splendid escort, he made his way toward the king’s residence, delighting the hearts of all the city’s people. Upon reaching the magnificent and wealthy house, the charioteer felt his hair stand on end with joy. The palace, teeming with deer and peacocks, was as splendid as Indra’s queen’s abode. Entering chambers adorned like Kailāsa, resembling the dwellings of the gods, he passed by many devoted attendants before reaching 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, radiant with its own brilliance. At the entrance, villagers crowded together, bearing gifts and offering respectful salutations. Countless vehicles were parked, making the gateway thronged and bustling. He saw the mighty elephant, Shatruñjaya, fit for Rāma, fierce and difficult to restrain, resembling a great cloud-covered mountain, splendid and imposing. The chief ministers were there too, splendidly adorned, accompanied by horses, chariots, and elephants—all dear to Rāma. The charioteer passed through them on every side and entered the prosperous inner palace. Unstoppable, he entered a mansion resembling a mountain peak, vast and filled with treasures, like a makara entering the ocean. Let the sixteenth chapter be heard. He crossed the palace entrance, crowded with people, and reached a secluded chamber, well-versed in the ancient ways. There, young men bearing swords and bows, adorned with polished earrings, stood vigilant and focused, loyal to their master. Elderly men in saffron robes, holding staffs and adorned, were stationed at the door, along with attentive and composed women’s overseers. Seeing him approach, all those eager to please Rāma quickly rose from their seats in haste and reverence. With a humble heart, the charioteer’s son circled them and said, “Quickly tell Rāma that Sumanta waits at the door.” Eager to please their master, they promptly informed Rāma and his wife of Sumanta’s arrival. Upon hearing the report, Rāghava, desiring to please, summoned the charioteer into his father’s inner chamber. There, the charioteer saw Rāma seated, adorned, upon a golden couch with a canopy, resembling Kubera himself. Rāma, the scorcher of foes, was anointed with sandalwood paste, pure and fragrant, with a hue like boar’s blood and of supreme value. By his side stood Sita, holding a yak-tail fan, adorned and resplendent, like the moon attended by a beautiful star. The bard, skilled in reverence and humility, bowed to him—shining with his own radiance like the blazing sun, the bestower of boons. Sumanta, honored by the king, with joined palms, addressed the prince—whose face was radiant—as he reclined at ease: “O Rāma, son of Kausalya, your father wishes to see you. Go there without delay, along with Queen Kaikeyi.” Thus addressed, the lion among men, radiant and delighted, honored Sita and spoke these words to her: “Devi, the king and queen are surely conferring together in my absence, discussing something related to the consecration. She, delighted and devoted to my welfare—my mother, daughter of the king of Kekaya—also desires my prosperity. By good fortune, the great king, together with his beloved queen, has sent Sumanta as a messenger, eager to fulfill my wishes. Just as the assembly is distinguished, so is the messenger who has come; surely, today itself, the king will anoint me as crown prince. “Well then, I shall go quickly and see the king. You remain here happily with your attendants and enjoy yourself.” Honored by her husband, Sita of dark eyes followed him to the door, uttering auspicious words. She said, “The king, worthy to perform the royal consecration, surrounded by Brahmins, is fit to install you, as the creator installed Indra. Seeing you, consecrated, observing vows, pure, clad in a splendid deer skin, and holding a horn of a deer, I rejoice.” With these words, Rāma prepared to meet his father, his heart filled with hope and joy, while Sita remained behind, her mind bright with auspicious anticipation.