As Rama prepared to depart, blessings were invoked for his protection: “May Indra guard you in the east, Yama in the south, Varuna in the west, and Kubera in the north.” With these auspicious words, Rama took leave of Sita, who had performed sacred rites for his welfare. Accompanied by Sumanta, Rama stepped out of his residence. He emerged like a lion from a mountain cave, and at the door, he saw Lakshmana standing with hands joined in reverence. Rama entered the middle chamber, surrounded by friends, and there he greeted the petitioners and welcomed them warmly. Then, the tiger among men, the delight of the king, ascended his splendid chariot, glowing with the radiance of fire. The chariot thundered like a cloud, adorned with jewels and gold, dazzling the eyes with its brilliance, rivaling Mount Meru. Drawn by excellent horses—swift as the wind, green in color, and as strong as young elephants—it was like Indra’s own chariot, driven by the thousand-eyed god. Rama, ablaze with splendor, mounted quickly, and departed, resounding like a rain cloud in the sky. As the illustrious prince left his residence, he was attended by Lakshmana, who held a decorated fan. Lakshmana, having mounted the chariot behind, protected his brother, and a tumultuous sound arose as they set out. Crowds of people gathered all around; the finest horses and elephants, massive as mountains, followed them. Hundreds and thousands followed Rama, while warriors adorned with sandalwood and aloe marched in front. Brave men bearing swords and bows went forward, full of hope, and the air was filled with sounds of instruments and praises from bards. Lion-like roars of heroes echoed along the road, and women adorned with jewels stood at palace windows, watching. Rama, the destroyer of foes, was showered with abundant flowers by these women, who delighted in 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 ascend to the ancestral kingdom, and Sita, foremost among noble women, among all noble wives.” The women regarded Sita, beloved to Rama’s heart, as the best among noble ladies, believing that the queen must have performed great austerity in the past to attain union with Rama, just as Rohini is with the moon. Thus, Rama, the best of men, heard sweet words spoken by women from palace towers as he proceeded along the royal road. Along the way, Rama heard the conversations of the gathered people, joyful citizens expressing their thoughts: “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 neighing horses, 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 in many wares, shining pure. As Rama mounted the chariot, surrounded by joyful friends, banners and flags fluttered, and the air was perfumed with costly incense. He gazed upon the city, teeming with people, its houses shining pale like clouds. Proceeding along the royal road, its center scented with incense and lined with heaps of sandalwood and aloe, he saw the finest fragrances, silks of linen and cotton, pearls unpierced, and exquisite crystals. He beheld the splendid, unobstructed royal road, covered with various flowers and foods, both high and low. The road was adorned as the lord of the gods might see in heaven, with offerings of curd, rice, barley, and incense of aloe and sandalwood. The crossroads were always worshipped with garlands of many kinds and fragrant scents, and Rama heard many blessings spoken by his friends. He honored all the people as was proper, proceeding as his ancestors and forefathers had done. The people declared, “Today, once you are consecrated, protect this path, as we were nurtured by your father and all the forefathers. 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. Nothing will ever be dearer to us than the consecration of Rama, whose splendor is boundless, as king.” Hearing these and other auspicious words from friends and well-wishers, which honored him, Rama proceeded along the great highway. No one could withdraw their mind or eyes from that foremost man, even as Rama passed by. Whoever did not see Rama, or whom Rama did not see, was scorned by all people, and even his own self despised him. That righteous one showed compassion to all classes and to all ages; therefore, they all followed him, their hearts full of hope and reverence, as Rama made his way toward his destiny.