“O Rama, son of Kausalya,” came the message, “your father wishes to see you. Go to him at once, and let Queen Kaikeyi accompany you.” Thus summoned, Rama—the lion among men, radiant and full of joy—turned to Sita, honoring her with gentle words. He said, “Devi, surely the king and queen are conferring together in my absence, discussing matters concerning my consecration. My mother, the daughter of the king of Kekaya, ever devoted to my welfare, must also desire my prosperity. How fortunate I am that the great king, together with his beloved queen, has sent Sumanta as a messenger, eager to fulfill my wishes. The messenger who has come is as distinguished as the assembly itself. Surely, today the king will anoint me as crown prince.” Rama continued, “Well then, I shall go quickly to see the king. You, my beloved, remain here happily with your attendants and enjoy yourself.” Sita, dark-eyed and honored by her husband, followed him to the door, uttering auspicious words for his success. With reverence, 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 as king of the gods. Seeing you, consecrated and observing vows, pure and radiant, 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 received Sita’s blessings and parting words, Rama took his leave. Sita, having performed auspicious rites for his success, watched as Rama departed from the residence with Sumanta. Emerging from his home like a lion from a mountain cave, Rama saw Lakshmana at the door, standing with joined palms in reverence. Proceeding further, Rama entered the middle chamber, where he was surrounded by friends and petitioners. He greeted them all warmly and welcomed them with kindness. Then, the tiger among men and delight of the king, ascended the splendid chariot, radiant like fire. The chariot thundered like a cloud, adorned with jewels and gold, its brilliance rivaling Mount Meru, dazzling all who saw it. It was drawn by excellent horses, green and swift as the wind, resembling young elephants, like the chariot of Indra himself. Rama, ablaze with splendor, mounted quickly and departed, the sound of the chariot echoing like a rain cloud in the sky. The illustrious prince left his residence like the moon emerging from great clouds, attended by Lakshmana, who held a decorated fan and mounted the chariot behind his brother, protecting him. As they set out, a tumultuous sound arose. Crowds of people gathered all around as Rama departed. The finest horses and elephants, massive as mountains, followed in his wake. Hundreds and thousands of citizens joined the procession, while warriors adorned with sandalwood and aloe led the way. Brave men bearing swords and bows marched forward, their hearts full of hope. The air resounded with the sounds of instruments and the praises of bards. The lion-like roars of heroes were heard along the road, and women adorned and standing at palace windows watched in admiration. Rama, destroyer of foes, proceeded, showered with abundant flowers by these women, who were delighted by his flawless form. Those in palaces and on the ground honored Rama with excellent words: “Surely your mother Kausalya rejoices, O delight of mothers, seeing you achieve this successful journey and inherit the ancestral kingdom, with Sita, foremost among noble women, by your side.” The women regarded Sita, beloved of Rama, as the best among noble ladies, certain that the queen must have performed great austerities in the past to attain such a union—just as Rohini is united with the moon. Thus, as Rama proceeded along the royal road, he heard sweet words spoken by women from the palace towers. He also heard the conversations of the gathered people—various words expressing their own joyful thoughts. “Today Raghava attains prosperity,” they said, “about to receive abundant royal favor. All our desires will be fulfilled, for he will be our ruler. It is a blessing for the people that he will govern this kingdom for a long time. Under this lord of men, no one will ever see anything unpleasant or experience sorrow.” Accompanied by horses neighing like a village, with elephants, and preceded by auspicious bards and heralds, Rama was honored by the finest musicians and praised as Vaiśravaṇa would be. He beheld the great highway, crowded with elephants, chariots, horses, and throngs of people. The crossroads were filled, the road abundant in gems and rich with many wares, shining pure and splendid. Let the seventeenth chapter be heard. Rama mounted the chariot, surrounded by joyful friends, adorned with banners and flags, and perfumed with costly incense. He gazed upon the city, teeming with people, its houses shining pale like clouds. Rama proceeded along the royal road, its center scented with incense and lined with heaps of sandalwood and aloe. There were the finest fragrances, silks of linen and cotton, and unpierced pearls, along with exquisite crystals. He saw that splendid, unobstructed royal road, covered with various flowers and foods, both high and low, as he journeyed onward toward his father’s summons.