After Sita had performed the auspicious rites and taken leave of her beloved husband, Rama departed from their residence, accompanied by the charioteer Sumanta. As he emerged from his home, Rama appeared like a lion stepping forth from a mountain cave. There at the doorway stood Lakshmana, hands joined in reverence, awaiting his brother. Proceeding into the middle chamber, Rama found himself surrounded by friends and petitioners. He greeted them all warmly, welcoming each with his customary grace. Then, that tiger among men—the joy of King Dasaratha—ascended his splendid chariot. The vehicle shone with the radiance of fire, its thunderous sound echoing like a cloud. Adorned with jewels and gold, its brilliance rivaled Mount Meru, dazzling all who beheld it. Drawn by magnificent horses as swift as the wind, green in hue and strong as young elephants, the chariot was worthy of Indra himself, the thousand-eyed king of the gods. Rama, radiant and resplendent, mounted quickly, and the chariot rolled forth with a deep, resounding roar, like a raincloud traversing the heavens. As Rama left his residence, attended by Lakshmana—who held a decorated fan and sat behind him on the chariot—he shone like the moon emerging from great clouds. Lakshmana, ever protective, positioned himself so as to shield his brother. At their departure, a great tumult arose as crowds gathered on every side. Noble horses and mighty elephants, massive as mountains, followed in their wake. Hundreds and thousands of people flocked after Rama. In front marched warriors adorned with sandalwood and aloe, their swords and bows ready, their hearts full of hope. The air filled with the sounds of musical instruments and the praises of bards. Lion-like roars from the gathered heroes mingled with the voices of women, beautifully adorned and watching from palace windows. As Rama proceeded, women showered him with abundant flowers, delighting in his flawless form. From both palace balconies and the ground below, people honored him with gracious words: “Surely your mother Kausalya rejoices, O delight of mothers, to see you embark on this auspicious journey and to witness your claim to the ancestral kingdom. And Sita, foremost among noble women, stands supreme among all wives.” The women gazed at Sita, beloved of Rama, recognizing her as the very best among noble ladies. They remarked that the queen must have performed great austerities in a previous life to be united with Rama, as Rohini is with the moon. Rama, the best of men, heard these sweet words as he made his way along the royal road, the voices of women from lofty towers blessing his journey. As he traveled, Rama also heard the conversations of the assembled people, each expressing their own thoughts with joy: “Today Rama attains prosperity and will receive the abundant favor of the king. Our every wish will be fulfilled, for he will be our ruler. What a blessing for us all that he will govern this kingdom for a long time! Under this lord of men, none will experience sorrow or see anything unpleasant.” Surrounded by neighing horses, mighty elephants, and accompanied by auspicious bards and heralds, Rama was honored by the finest musicians. He proceeded through the city, praised as the god of wealth, Vaisravana, would be. The great highway stretched before him, crowded with elephants, chariots, horses, and throngs of people. The crossroads overflowed with gems and rich wares, shining in purity. Rama’s chariot, adorned with banners and flags and perfumed with the finest incense, moved forward, surrounded by joyful friends. He gazed upon the city of Ayodhya, vibrant with people, its houses shining pale like clouds. The royal road, scented with incense and lined with heaps of sandalwood and aloe, was a sight to behold. Along the way were the finest fragrances, silks of linen and cotton, unpierced pearls, and exquisite crystals. The unobstructed road was covered with flowers and foods of every kind, both high and low. Offerings of curd, rice, and barley adorned the path, along with incense of aloe and sandalwood. The crossroads were always honored with garlands of many kinds and fragrant scents, and Rama heard many blessings from his friends. As he moved forward, Rama honored all the people in the proper manner, just as his ancestors and forefathers had done before him. The citizens called out: “Once you are consecrated, protect this path as your father and forefathers did for us. With Rama as king, we will live most happily. We have no need for food or wealth; seeing Rama established in the kingdom is enough. Nothing is dearer to us than the consecration of Rama, whose splendor is boundless.” Hearing these and other auspicious words from friends and well-wishers, Rama continued along the great highway. So captivating was his presence that no one could turn their eyes or mind from him as he passed. It was said that whoever did not see Rama, or whom Rama did not see, was scorned by all, even by himself. Rama, righteous and compassionate to all classes and ages, was followed by everyone. The city’s mansions, pale as clouds and adorned with jeweled lattices, rose up as if to cover the very sky, bearing witness to the beloved prince’s glorious progress through Ayodhya.