As Rāma set out, hundreds and thousands of people followed in his wake, their devotion evident in every step. At the forefront marched valiant warriors, their bodies adorned with fragrant sandalwood and aloe, a living guard of honor for their beloved prince. Brave men, armed with swords and bows, moved forward with hope shining in their eyes. The air vibrated with the sounds of musical instruments and the praises sung by bards, filling the streets with a sense of celebration. The road echoed with the lion-like roars of heroes, mingling with the voices of women beautifully adorned, who gazed out from palace windows all around, eager to catch a glimpse of Rāma. As the destroyer of foes proceeded, women showered him with abundant flowers, their joy overflowing at the sight of Rāma, flawless in every limb. He was a delight to all who beheld him. Those in the palaces and on the ground alike honored Rāma with words of praise: “Surely your mother Kausalyā rejoices, O delight of mothers,” they exclaimed, their voices filled with admiration. “She has witnessed your successful journey and attainment of the ancestral kingdom, and Sītā, the foremost among noble women, stands among all noble wives.” The women regarded Sītā, so dearly beloved by Rāma, as the best among all noble ladies, convinced that the queen must have performed great austerities in her past to be so blessed. They saw in Sītā’s union with Rāma a celestial pairing, like Rohiṇī with the moon. As Rāma, the best of men, made his way along the royal road, he heard these sweet words spoken by the women from the palace towers, their blessings following him with every step. Rāghava also heard the conversations of the gathered people—joyful citizens expressing their hopes and thoughts as he passed. “Today Rāghava attains prosperity, about to receive abundant royal favor,” they said. “Our every desire will be fulfilled, for he will be our ruler. What a blessing for the people that he will govern this kingdom for a long time! Under this lord of men, none will see anything unpleasant or experience sorrow.” Surrounded by neighing horses, mighty elephants, and preceded by auspicious bards and heralds, Rāma was honored by the finest musicians. He advanced, praised as Vaiśravaṇa himself might be. As he went, Rāma beheld the great highway, crowded with elephants, chariots, horses, and throngs of people. The crossroads were filled, abundant with gems and rich wares, shining with purity. Let now the seventeenth chapter be heard. Rāma mounted his chariot, surrounded by joyful friends. The chariot was adorned with banners and flags and perfumed with costly incense. As the illustrious Rāma gazed upon the city, he saw it teeming with people, its houses shining pale like clouds in the sky. He proceeded along the royal road, its center scented with incense and lined with heaps of sandalwood and aloe. The finest fragrances filled the air, and silks of linen and cotton, unpierced pearls, and exquisite crystals were laid out along the way. The splendid, unobstructed royal road was covered with various flowers and foods, both high and low, a path fit for a king. Rāma beheld this royal road as the lord of the gods might view heaven itself, adorned 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 Rāma heard many blessings spoken by his friends as he passed. He honored all the people as was proper, proceeding as his ancestors and forefathers had done before him. The people called out, “Today, once you are consecrated, protect this path, as we were nurtured by your father and all the forefathers. With Rāma as king, we will live most happily. We have no need now for food or great wealth; if we see Rāma established in the kingdom, that is enough for us. Nothing will ever be dearer to us than the consecration of Rāma, whose splendor is boundless, as king.” Hearing these and other auspicious words from friends and well-wishers, which honored him, Rāma proceeded along the great highway. No one could withdraw their mind or eyes from that foremost of men, even as he passed by. Whoever did not see Rāma, or whom Rāma did not see, was scorned by all, and even his own self despised him. That righteous one showed compassion to all classes and to all ages; therefore, everyone followed him gladly. The city itself seemed to join the celebration, with mansions pale as clouds, adorned with jeweled lattices, rising up as if to cover the sky. Rāma entered his father’s residence, that foremost house on earth, rivaling the palace of Indra, shining with splendor. Passing through three courtyards guarded by archers and horses, the best of men then crossed two more courtyards on foot. Having passed through all the courtyards, the son of Daśaratha dismissed all the people and entered the pure inner chambers. When he entered his father’s presence, all the people, delighted with the prince, waited eagerly for his return, as the ocean waits for the moon’s rising. Let now the eighteenth sarga be heard in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. There, Rāma saw his father seated with Kaikeyī, his face dried and sorrowful, overcome with dejection. With proper conduct, Rāma first bowed to his father’s feet, then, with full composure, to Kaikeyī’s feet. When the king, his eyes filled with tears, called out “Rāma,” he was too distressed to look at his son or to speak. Seeing this unprecedented and fearsome appearance of the king, Rāma too was seized by fear, as if he had stepped on a serpent. He saw the great king, tormented by grief and sorrow, sighing deeply, his mind disturbed and troubled, his senses bereft of joy.