As the assembly gathered in anticipation, Rama recognized the significance of the moment—the presence of the distinguished messenger was a sign, and he felt certain that today, the king would anoint him as crown prince. With confidence and warmth, Rama turned to Sita and said, “Well then, I shall go quickly and see the king. You remain here, happily, with your attendants and enjoy yourself.” Sita, honored by her husband, followed him to the door. Her dark eyes shone, and she uttered auspicious words to bless his journey. She spoke of the king, surrounded by Brahmins and worthy to perform the royal consecration, who would install Rama just as the creator once installed Indra as king of the gods. Sita rejoiced at the thought of Rama, consecrated and observing vows, pure and radiant, clad in splendid deer skin and holding a deer’s horn. She prayed for divine protection: “May Indra guard you in the east, Yama in the south, Varuna in the west, and Kubera in the north.” Having received Sita’s blessings and taken leave of her—she who had performed auspicious rites—Rama departed from his residence, accompanied by the wise charioteer Sumanta. As Rama emerged, like a lion stepping from a mountain cave, he saw Lakshmana waiting at the door, palms joined in reverence. Rama proceeded into the middle chamber, where he was surrounded by friends and petitioners. He greeted and welcomed them all, his presence bringing joy. Then, the tiger among men—the delight of the king—ascended a splendid chariot, radiant like fire. The chariot thundered like a cloud, adorned with jewels and gold, its brilliance rivaling Mount Meru and dazzling the eyes. Drawn by excellent horses, green in hue and swift as the wind, resembling young elephants, the chariot was like Indra’s, driven by the thousand-eyed god. Rama, 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, who held a decorated fan. Lakshmana, having mounted the chariot behind, protected his brother, and a tumultuous sound arose as they departed. Crowds gathered all around; the finest horses and elephants, massive as mountains, followed in procession. Hundreds and thousands followed Rama, and in front marched warriors adorned with sandalwood and aloe. Brave men bearing swords and bows went forward, full of hope, as sounds of instruments and praises from bards filled the air. Lion-like roars of heroes echoed along the road, and women, adorned, stood at palace windows, watching. Rama, the destroyer of foes, was showered with abundant flowers by these women, delighting them with his flawless form. Those in palaces and on the ground honored him with excellent words: “Surely your mother Kausalya rejoices, O delight of mothers.” They spoke of his successful journey to the ancestral kingdom, and of Sita, foremost among noble women and wives. The women regarded Sita, beloved to Rama’s heart, as the best among noble ladies, convinced that the queen must have performed great austerity in the past to attain union with Rama, as Rohini is united with the moon. Thus, the best of men heard sweet words spoken by women from palace towers as he proceeded along the royal road. Rama also heard the conversations of the gathered people, expressing their thoughts and joy. “Today, Raghava attains prosperity, about to receive abundant royal favor; we all will have every fulfilled desire, 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, elephants, and preceded by auspicious bards and heralds, honored by the finest musicians, Rama proceeded, praised as Vaiśravaṇa would be. He beheld the great highway, crowded with elephants, chariots, horses, and throngs of people. The crossroads were filled, abundant in gems and rich wares, shining pure. Now begins the seventeenth chapter. Rama mounted the chariot, surrounded by joyful friends. The chariot was adorned with banners and flags, perfumed with costly incense. The illustrious Rama gazed upon the city, teeming with people, its houses shining pale like clouds. He proceeded along the royal road, its center scented with incense, lined with heaps of sandalwood and aloe. There were the finest fragrances, silks of linen and cotton, unpierced pearls, and exquisite crystals. He saw the splendid, unobstructed royal road, covered with various flowers and foods, both high and low. Rama beheld the royal road, as the lord of the gods might in heaven, adorned with offerings of curd, rice, and barley, and incense of aloe and sandalwood. The crossroads were always worshipped with garlands of many kinds and fragrant scents, and he heard many blessings spoken by his friends. He honored all the people as was proper, proceeding as his ancestors and forefathers had done. The citizens said, “Today, once you are consecrated, protect this path, as we were nurtured by your father and all the forefathers; then, with Rama as king, we will live most happily.” “We have no need now for food or great wealth; if we see Rama established in the kingdom, that is enough for us.” Thus, Rama’s journey to the royal consecration was marked by auspicious blessings, joyful crowds, and heartfelt hopes, as he proceeded with dignity and grace along the glorious road, honored by all.