Sumantra, the wise charioteer, approached the palace of Rama, a dwelling so splendid it rivaled the mansion of Indra himself. Its beauty was unmatched—radiant in its own brilliance, delighting the senses with the presence of deer and birds, and towering like the peak of Mount Meru. As Sumantra drew nearer, he saw the entrance teeming with villagers, each bearing gifts and offering respectful salutations. The gateway was crowded with countless vehicles, alive with activity and anticipation. His gaze fell upon the mighty elephant Shatruñjaya, whose form was as imposing as a mountain shrouded in clouds. Fierce and difficult to restrain even by goads, this magnificent creature was fit for Rama’s grandeur. Nearby, chief ministers stood, splendidly adorned and attended by horses, chariots, and elephants—all dear to Rama. Sumantra, passing through these noble assemblies, entered the prosperous inner palace. With unstoppable determination, Sumantra entered a mansion that rose like a mountain peak, vast and filled with treasures, as if a makara had entered the depths of the ocean. Let the sixteenth chapter be heard. Crossing the bustling palace entrance, Sumantra reached a secluded chamber, his mind steeped in ancient wisdom. There, vigilant young men stood guard, swords and bows in hand, adorned with polished earrings, loyal and attentive to their master. Nearby, elderly men in saffron robes, holding staffs and adorned, were stationed at the door, alongside composed women’s overseers. As Sumantra approached, all those eager to please Rama quickly rose from their seats, hastening to greet him with reverence. With humility, Sumantra’s son circled them and announced, “Quickly tell Rama that Sumantra waits at the door.” Eager to serve their master, they promptly informed Rama and his wife of Sumantra’s arrival. Upon hearing the news, Rama—ever desirous of pleasing others—summoned Sumantra into his father’s inner chamber. Entering, Sumantra beheld Rama, resembling Kubera, seated and adorned upon a golden couch draped with a canopy. Rama, the scorcher of foes, was anointed with fragrant sandalwood paste, pure and of supreme value, his skin glowing with the hue of boar’s blood. Beside him stood Sita, holding a yak-tail fan, resplendent and radiant, like the moon attended by a beautiful star. The bard, skilled in reverence and humility, bowed before Rama, who shone with his own radiance like the blazing sun, bestower of boons. Honored by the king, Sumantra joined his palms and addressed Rama, whose face was radiant as he reclined at ease: “O Rama, son of Kausalya, your father wishes to see you. Go there without delay, along with Queen Kaikeyi.” Thus addressed, Rama—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 matters related to the consecration. She, my mother—daughter of the king of Kekaya—is delighted and devoted to my welfare, desiring my prosperity. By good fortune, the great king, together with his beloved queen, has sent Sumantra 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: “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 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, Rama departed from his residence with Sumantra. Emerging like a lion from a mountain cave, he saw Lakshmana at the door, standing with joined palms in reverence. As he moved through the middle chamber, surrounded by friends, Rama greeted and welcomed all the petitioners. The tiger among men, delight of the king, ascended the splendid chariot, radiant like fire. The chariot thundered like a cloud, adorned with jewels and gold, dazzling the eyes with brilliance rivaling Mount Meru. Drawn by excellent horses resembling young elephants, swift as the wind and yoked with green steeds, it was like Indra’s chariot driven by the thousand-eyed god. Raghava, ablaze with splendor, mounted quickly and departed, resounding like a rain cloud in the sky. The illustrious prince left his residence like the moon emerging from great clouds, attended by Lakshmana, his brother, holding a decorated fan. Lakshmana, having mounted the chariot behind, protected his brother, and a tumultuous sound arose. As Rama departed, crowds gathered all around; the finest horses and elephants, massive as mountains, followed. Thus, hundreds and thousands followed Rama; in front marched warriors adorned with sandalwood and aloe, creating a procession worthy of a prince destined for greatness.