The charioteer approached Rāma’s residence, a place of extraordinary splendor. The house was magnificently adorned with garlands of precious gems, its floors scattered with pearls and jewels, and the air was fragrant with the scent of sandalwood and agaru. Like a mountain peak refreshed by the rains, it exuded delightful fragrances, and the calls of cranes and peacocks filled the air, adding to its liveliness. Surrounding the house were beautifully crafted deer, carved with devotion and care, their forms captivating the eyes and hearts of all who beheld them. The brilliance of the dwelling rivaled the light of the moon and the sun, and its grandeur was likened to the palaces of Kubera and Indra, filled with many kinds of birds. As the charioteer drew nearer, he saw Rāma’s house rising like the lofty peak of Mount Meru, crowded with people who had gathered, their hands joined in reverence. Country folk thronged the area, their faces radiant with anticipation for Rāma’s impending consecration. The house itself stood majestic as a great cloud, splendid and high, encrusted with various gems, and even surrounded by dwarfs. Riding his horse-drawn chariot, the charioteer brought a bustle of activity to the royal palace, which shone with brilliance; as he approached the king’s residence with his splendid entourage, the hearts of the city’s people were filled with delight. Upon reaching the magnificent and wealthy home, the charioteer felt his hair stand on end with joy. The house, alive with deer and peacocks, shone like the abode of Indra’s queen. He entered chambers adorned like Mount Kailāsa, their beauty rivaling the dwellings of the gods. Passing by many dear and devoted attendants of Rāma, he made his way to the pure inner quarters. Within, he heard the joyful voices of people gathered for Rāma’s consecration, their words expressing auspicious wishes for the king’s son and delight for the whole world. Sumantra gazed upon Rāma’s splendid palace, as magnificent as Indra’s own mansion, delightful and inhabited by deer and birds, towering like Mount Meru and radiant with its own brilliance. At the entrance, villagers crowded in, bearing gifts and offering respectful salutations; countless vehicles were parked, making the gateway a scene of bustling activity. He then saw the mighty elephant Shatruñjaya, as imposing as a cloud-covered mountain, fierce and difficult to restrain, splendid and worthy of Rāma. Next, he beheld the chief ministers, splendidly adorned and accompanied by horses, chariots, and elephants—all dear to Rāma. Passing through them, the charioteer entered the prosperous inner palace. Unstoppable, he entered a mansion that resembled a mountain peak and a vast palace, filled with treasures, like a makara entering the ocean. Let the sixteenth chapter now be heard. Crossing the palace entrance, which was crowded with people, he reached a secluded chamber, well-versed in the ancient ways. There, vigilant young men stood guard, armed with swords and bows, adorned with polished earrings, loyal and alert to their master’s needs. He also saw elderly men in saffron robes, holding staffs, standing at the door, along with composed and attentive women’s overseers. As he approached, 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 Sumantra waits at the door.” Eager to serve their master, they promptly informed Rāma and his wife of Sumantra’s arrival. Upon hearing the report, Rāghava, ever eager to please, summoned the charioteer into his father’s inner chamber. There, Sumantra saw Rāma, radiant as Kubera, seated and adorned upon a golden couch with a canopy. The foe-destroying prince was anointed with sandalwood paste, pure and fragrant, its hue deep and precious. By his side stood Sita, holding a yak-tail fan, adorned and resplendent, like the moon attended by a beautiful star. Sumantra, skilled in reverence and humility, bowed before Rāma, who shone with his own radiance like the blazing sun, the bestower of boons. Honored by the king, Sumantra, with joined palms, addressed the prince, whose face was aglow 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, Rāma—the lion among men, radiant and delighted—honored Sita and spoke gently to her: “Devi, the king and queen are surely conferring together in my absence, discussing something related to the consecration. She, the daughter of the king of Kekaya and devoted to my welfare, also desires my prosperity. By good fortune, the great king, together with his beloved queen, has sent Sumantra as a messenger, eager to fulfill my wishes. As the assembly is distinguished, so is the messenger who has come; surely, today itself, the king will anoint me as crown prince.” He continued, “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 and surrounded by Brahmins, is fit to install you, just as the creator installed Indra. Seeing you, consecrated, observing vows, pure, clad in splendid deer skin and holding a horn of a deer, I rejoice. May Indra protect you in the east, Yama in the south, Varuna in the west, and Kubera in the north.