Sumantra, the trusted charioteer, entered the inner chambers of Rāma’s palace, which were as splendid as Kailāsa itself and rivaled the abodes of the gods. Moving past many loyal and noble attendants devoted to Rāma, he made his way into the pure and sacred quarters. As he advanced, joyful voices echoed through the halls—people gathered for Rāma’s impending consecration, their words bright with delight and filled with auspicious wishes for the beloved prince, bringing happiness to all who heard them. Before him, Sumantra beheld Rāma’s magnificent palace, dazzling and radiant, its beauty equal to Indra’s own mansion. Deer and birds found joy within its precincts, and the palace soared like a peak of Mount Meru, aglow with its own brilliance. At the entrance, villagers crowded together, bearing gifts and offering respectful greetings. The gateway was a scene of lively commotion, with countless vehicles parked in every direction. Near the entrance, Sumantra’s gaze fell upon Rāma’s mighty elephant, Shatruñjaya, a majestic beast resembling a cloud-crowned mountain, fierce and difficult to restrain, splendid and worthy of his master. He also saw the chief ministers, adorned in their finery, surrounded by horses, chariots, and elephants—all those dear to Rāma. Passing through this illustrious assembly, Sumantra entered the prosperous inner palace, unstoppable in his mission. He pressed onward into a vast mansion, towering like a mountain peak and filled with treasures, entering as a makara would slip into the ocean’s depths. Now begins the sixteenth chapter. Sumantra crossed the palace entrance, thronged with people, and proceeded to a secluded chamber, well-versed in ancient customs. There, vigilant young men stood guard, bearing swords and bows, their ears adorned with polished ornaments, their loyalty and focus unwavering. Elderly men in saffron robes, holding staffs and adorned, stood at the door, along with composed and attentive women’s overseers. As Sumantra approached, all those eager to serve Rāma rose swiftly from their seats, honoring him with reverence. Humbly, Sumantra circled them and said, “Quickly tell Rāma that Sumanta waits at the door.” Eager to please their master, the attendants promptly informed Rāma and his wife of the charioteer’s arrival. Hearing the news, Rāghava, ever gracious, summoned Sumantra into his father’s inner chamber. There Sumantra saw Rāma, resplendent like Kubera, seated upon a golden couch beneath a canopy, shining with his own radiance. Rāma, the vanquisher of foes, was anointed with fragrant sandalwood paste of deep, precious hue. By his side stood Sita, holding a yak-tail fan, adorned and luminous—like the moon attended by a beautiful star. With reverence and humility, Sumantra bowed to Rāma, who shone like the blazing sun, the bestower of blessings. Honored by the king, Sumantra addressed the radiant prince as he reclined with ease: “O Rāma, son of Kausalya, your father wishes to see you. Go without delay, and Queen Kaikeyi is with him.” Hearing these words, Rāma, the lion among men, glowing with delight, honored Sita and spoke gently to her: “Devi, the king and queen are surely conferring together in my absence, discussing matters related to the consecration. My mother—daughter of the king of Kekaya—is devoted to my welfare and desires my prosperity. By good fortune, the great king and his beloved queen have sent Sumantra as a messenger, eager to fulfill my wishes. The assembly is distinguished, and so is the messenger who has come; surely, today itself, the king will anoint me as crown prince. “Well then, I shall go quickly to 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 of performing the royal consecration and 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. May Indra protect you in the east, Yama in the south, Varuna in the west, and Kubera in the north.” Having taken leave of Sita, who had performed auspicious rites, Rāma departed from the residence with Sumantra. Emerging like a lion from a mountain cave, he saw Lakṣmaṇa waiting at the door, standing with joined palms in deep reverence. As Rāma passed through the middle chamber, surrounded by friends, he greeted and welcomed all the petitioners assembled there. The tiger among men, delight of the king, then ascended his splendid chariot, radiant like fire. The chariot thundered like a rain cloud, adorned with jewels and gold, its brilliance rivaling Mount Meru and dazzling all eyes. Drawn by excellent horses, green and swift as the wind, resembling young elephants, it was like Indra’s own chariot driven by the thousand-eyed god. Rāghava, ablaze with splendor, mounted quickly and departed, the chariot resounding like a rain cloud in the sky. The illustrious prince left his residence like the moon emerging from great clouds, attended by Lakṣmaṇa, who held a decorated fan. Lakṣmaṇa mounted the chariot behind, steadfastly protecting his brother, and as they set forth, a great and joyous tumult arose.