As Sumanta, the charioteer, approached, all those present—eager to please Rāma—rose swiftly from their seats, moved by both haste and reverence. With a humble heart, Sumanta circled them and spoke: “Quickly tell Rāma that Sumanta waits at the door.” Wishing to serve their master, they immediately informed Rāma and Sītā of Sumanta’s arrival. Upon hearing this, Rāghava, ever eager to show respect, summoned the charioteer into his father’s inner chambers. Entering, Sumanta beheld Rāma, resplendent as Kubera himself, seated and adorned upon a golden couch beneath a splendid canopy. Rāma, the vanquisher of foes, was anointed with fragrant sandalwood paste, deep red as boar’s blood and of the highest quality. By his side stood Sītā, radiant and adorned, gently fanning him with a yak-tail whisk—she shone like the moon attended by a lovely star. The bard, skilled in humility and reverence, bowed before Rāma, who radiated brilliance like the blazing sun, the very bestower of blessings. Honored by the king, Sumanta joined his palms and addressed the prince, whose face glowed with serenity as he reclined at ease. “O Rāma, son of Kausalyā, your father wishes to see you. Go at once, together with Queen Kaikeyī.” Thus addressed, Rāma—the lion among men, radiant and pleased—turned to Sītā, honoring her, and spoke gently: “Devi, the king and queen must be conferring in my absence, perhaps discussing matters of the consecration. My mother, devoted to my welfare and the daughter of the king of Kekaya, surely desires my prosperity as well. It is by good fortune that the noble king, with his beloved queen, has sent Sumanta as a messenger, eager to fulfill my wishes. Just as the assembly is distinguished, so too is the messenger who has come; surely, today itself, the king will anoint me as crown prince. Now, I shall go quickly to the king. You remain here happily with your attendants and enjoy yourself.” Sītā, honored by her husband, followed him to the door, her dark eyes shining, and spoke auspicious words. “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 deer’s horn, fills me with joy. May Indra protect you in the east, Yama in the south, Varuṇa in the west, and Kubera in the north.” Having taken leave of Sītā, who had performed auspicious rites, Rāma departed from his residence with Sumanta. Emerging like a lion from a mountain cave, he saw Lakṣmaṇa at the door, standing with joined palms in reverence. As Rāma passed through the middle chamber, surrounded by friends, he greeted and welcomed all the petitioners gathered there. The tiger among men, the delight of the king, then ascended a splendid chariot, radiant like fire. The chariot thundered like a cloud, adorned with jewels and gold, dazzling the eyes with a brilliance rivaling Mount Meru. Drawn by magnificent horses, green and swift as the wind, resembling young elephants, the chariot was like Indra’s own, driven by the thousand-eyed god. Rāghava, blazing with splendor, mounted quickly and departed, the chariot resounding like a rain cloud in the sky. The illustrious prince left his home like the moon emerging from mighty clouds, attended by Lakṣmaṇa, who held a decorated fan. Lakṣmaṇa mounted behind, ever protective of his brother, and soon a great tumult arose. Crowds gathered all around as Rāma departed; noble horses and elephants, massive as mountains, followed in his wake. Hundreds and thousands of people joined the procession, while warriors adorned with sandalwood and aloe marched in front. Brave men with swords and bows pressed forward, full of hope, as the sounds of instruments and the praises of bards filled the air. Along the road, lion-like roars of heroes rang out, and from palace windows, women adorned in finery watched and called out. As Rāma, flawless in every limb, passed by, women showered him with flowers, delighted by his presence. Those in palaces and on the ground honored him with gracious words: “Surely your mother Kausalyā rejoices, O delight of mothers, seeing you achieve this successful journey and inherit the ancestral kingdom, with Sītā, foremost among noble wives.” The women regarded Sītā, beloved to Rāma’s heart, as the best among noble ladies, certain that the queen must have performed great austerities to gain such fortune. Sītā’s union with Rāma was as Rohiṇī’s with the moon. Thus, as Rāma proceeded along the royal road, he heard sweet words spoken by women from the palace towers. There, Rāghava also heard the conversations of the citizens, each expressing their joy and hopes. “Today Rāghava attains prosperity, about to receive abundant royal favor. All our desires will be fulfilled, for he will be our ruler.” So, amid blessings, praise, and the love of the people, Rāma made his way to his father’s presence.