Emerging from his residence like a lion stepping proudly from its mountain cave, Rāma beheld Lakṣmaṇa standing at the door, hands joined in reverence. With gentle grace, Rāma entered the inner chamber, where he was greeted by friends and surrounded by those who sought his audience. He welcomed them all with warmth and respect. Then, the tiger among men, the delight of King Daśaratha, ascended his splendid chariot, radiant as blazing fire. The chariot itself thundered like a rain-filled cloud, dazzling the eyes with its brilliance, adorned with gold and precious jewels, shining like Mount Meru. Drawn by noble horses, green as fresh grass, swift as the wind and mighty as young elephants, the chariot rivaled that of Indra, lord of the heavens. Rāghava, aglow with royal splendor, mounted quickly and departed, his progress resounding like distant thunder. He left his home like the moon emerging from behind great clouds, attended by his devoted brother Lakṣmaṇa, who stood ready behind him, holding a beautifully decorated fan to offer comfort and honor. Lakṣmaṇa took his place on the chariot, guarding his brother with steadfast loyalty, and as they set forth, a tumultuous sound rose from the gathered crowds. People thronged around, surrounding the chariot, while mighty horses and elephants, massive as mountains, followed in procession. Hundreds and thousands joined behind Rāma, and at the front marched warriors adorned with fragrant sandalwood and aloe. Brave men bearing swords and bows advanced with hope shining in their eyes. The air filled with the sounds of instruments and the praises of bards, while the lion-like roars of heroes mingled with the voices of women adorned in finery, watching from palace windows. As Rāma, destroyer of foes, passed by, women showered him with flowers, delighting in his flawless beauty. From palaces and from the ground, people honored Rāma with loving words: “Surely your mother Kausalyā rejoices, O delight of mothers, seeing you embark upon this successful journey to inherit the ancestral kingdom. And Sītā, foremost among noble women, is blessed among wives.” The women gazed at Sītā, beloved of Rāma, regarding her as the best among noble ladies, certain that she must have performed great austerities in former times to be so united with him, just as Rohiṇī is with the moon. As Rāma proceeded along the royal road, he heard sweet words from palace towers and the gathered people below. The citizens spoke joyfully among themselves: “Today Rāghava attains prosperity and abundant royal favor. With him as our ruler, all our desires will be fulfilled. It is a blessing that he will govern this kingdom for a long time, for under this lord of men, none shall suffer sorrow or see anything unpleasant.” Accompanied by the neighing of horses, the trumpeting of elephants, and the auspicious songs of bards and heralds, Rāma was honored by the finest musicians, praised as Vaiśravaṇa himself might be. He beheld the great highway, crowded with elephants, chariots, horses, and throngs of people. The crossroads overflowed with gems and wares, shining pure and splendid. Rāma’s chariot, adorned with banners and flags and perfumed with costly incense, moved forward, surrounded by joyful friends. He gazed upon the city, teeming with people, the houses shining pale like clouds. The royal road before him was scented with incense, lined with heaps of sandalwood and aloe, and strewed with the finest fragrances, silks of linen and cotton, unpierced pearls, and exquisite crystals. The path was unobstructed, covered with flowers and food, high and low, and adorned with offerings of curd, rice, barley, and incense. The crossroads were always worshipped with garlands and fragrant scents, and Rāma heard many blessings spoken by friends and well-wishers. He honored all the people as was proper, proceeding as his ancestors and forefathers had done before him. The people called out: “Once you are consecrated, protect this path as your father and forefathers did. With you as king, we shall live most happily. We need no food or wealth—seeing you established in the kingdom is enough for us. Nothing is dearer than your consecration, O Rāma of boundless splendor.” Hearing these and other auspicious words, Rāma continued along the great highway. No one could withdraw their eyes or minds from him, for the people cherished him deeply. Whoever did not see Rāma, or whom Rāma did not see, was shunned by all, even by himself. Rāma’s compassion embraced all classes and ages, and so the entire city followed him with love and devotion. He passed mansions pale as clouds, adorned with jeweled lattices, rising as if to cover the sky. At last, the prince, shining with splendor, entered his father’s residence—the foremost house on earth, rivaling the palace of Indra himself.