As Sumantra approached the royal precincts, he was greeted by the joyful clamor of people assembled for Rāma’s consecration. Their voices rang out with auspicious wishes for the king’s beloved son, their words brimming with delight that seemed to embrace the whole world. Before him rose Rāma’s magnificent palace, resplendent as Indra’s own mansion—delightful, alive with the presence of graceful deer and lively birds, and towering above the city like a peak of Mount Meru, glowing with its own radiant light. At the palace entrance, Sumantra saw a throng of villagers, each bearing gifts and offering respectful salutations. The gateway was bustling, crowded with countless vehicles, their presence making the approach lively and grand. Nearby, his eyes fell upon the mighty elephant Shatruñjaya, immense and regal as a mountain shrouded in clouds, fierce in spirit and difficult to restrain even with goads—a splendid beast, worthy of Rāma himself. Amidst this grandeur, Sumantra also beheld the chief ministers, splendidly adorned, surrounded by noble horses, chariots, and elephants, all dear to Rāma. Passing through their ranks, the charioteer made his way into the prosperous inner palace. Unstoppable, Sumantra entered a mansion vast and towering like a mountain peak, filled with treasures, much like a makara diving into the ocean’s depths. Crossing the crowded entrance, Sumantra, well-versed in the ancient ways, reached a secluded chamber within the palace. There, vigilant young men stood guard, armed with swords and bows, their ears adorned with polished earrings, ever loyal and attentive to their master. Elderly men, clad in saffron robes and bearing staffs, stood at their posts, while the women’s overseers watched with composure and care. As Sumantra approached, all those eager to serve Rāma quickly rose from their seats, their gestures full of reverence and respect. With humility, Sumantra circled them and said, “Quickly tell Rāma that Sumanta waits at the door.” Eager to please their lord, they promptly informed Rāma and Sītā of Sumantra’s arrival. Hearing this, Rāghava, ever gracious, summoned the charioteer into his father’s inner chamber. There, Sumantra beheld Rāma, radiant as Kubera, seated upon a golden couch shaded by a splendid canopy. Rāma, the vanquisher of foes, was adorned with fragrant sandalwood paste of the richest hue, his form shining with innate brilliance. Beside him stood Sītā, holding a yak-tail fan, adorned and luminous, like the moon attended by a beautiful star. With reverence, Sumantra bowed deeply to Rāma, who shone like the blazing sun, bestower of blessings. Honored by the prince, Sumantra, with joined palms, addressed him as he reclined with ease, his face aglow: “O Rāma, son of Kausalyā, your father wishes to see you. Go there without delay, together with Queen Kaikeyī.” Hearing these words, Rāma—the lion among men, radiant and delighted—honored Sītā 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, the daughter of the king of Kekaya, ever devoted to my welfare, surely desires my prosperity as well. By good fortune, the great king, with his beloved queen, has sent Sumantra as a messenger, eager to fulfill my wishes. Such a distinguished messenger, sent by such an assembly, is a sign that 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, Sītā of dark eyes followed him to the door, uttering auspicious words. With devotion, she said, “The king, surrounded by Brahmins, is worthy to perform the royal consecration and install you, just as the creator installed Indra. Seeing you, consecrated, observing vows, pure, clad in splendid deer skin and holding a deer horn, 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 Sītā, who had performed auspicious rites, Rāma departed from his residence with Sumantra. Emerging like a lion from a mountain cave, he saw Lakṣmaṇa waiting at the door, standing reverently with joined palms. Passing through the middle chamber, Rāma, surrounded by friends, greeted all the petitioners warmly and welcomed them with kind words. Then, the tiger among men, the delight of the king, ascended his splendid chariot, radiant as fire. The chariot, adorned with jewels and gold, thundered like a cloud and shone with a brilliance rivaling Mount Meru, dazzling all who beheld it. Drawn by excellent horses—green in hue, swift as the wind, and as strong as young elephants—the chariot was like that of Indra himself. Rāghava, ablaze with splendor, mounted swiftly and departed, the chariot resounding like a rain cloud in the sky. The illustrious prince left his residence like the moon emerging from behind great clouds, attended by Lakṣmaṇa, his devoted brother, who held a decorated fan. Lakṣmaṇa mounted the chariot behind him, ever protective, and a tumultuous sound arose as they set forth. As Rāma departed, crowds of people gathered all around, while the finest horses and elephants—massive as mountains—followed in his wake, bearing witness to the auspicious journey of the beloved prince.