As noble words were spoken in that revered assembly, and the gathering of Siddhas filled the hall, a wondrous rain of flowers began to fall from the sky, forming a celestial canopy above. The air was alive with the gentle humming of bees nestled within the buds of Mandara blossoms, intoxicated by their fragrance and beauty, so that all present were enraptured and filled with delight. It seemed as though a stream of stars, swept along by the winds of heaven, had descended to earth, or as if the world itself was illuminated by the radiant smiles of celestial women. The flowers fell like a line of raindrops from a single, sheltering cloud, or as if handfuls of pure clarified butter were being cast down from above—each drop gleaming with divine brilliance. The cascade was magnificent, resembling a shower of snow, a string of lustrous pearls, the silvery beams of the moon, or the rolling waves of the milk ocean. The atmosphere was fragrant with the scent of lotus filaments, and bees, drawn by the sweetness, swarmed and danced on the breeze, their humming mingling with the soft strains of celestial song. Clusters of ketaka flowers spun through the air, heaps of blossoming water-lilies spread across the ground, garlands of jasmine rained down, and the blue lotus abodes shimmered in the gentle light. The rooftops and courtyards of the homes of beautiful women were soon covered with blossoms, as the city’s residents—women and men alike—looked on in wonder, craning their necks to witness the marvel. A rain so pure and clear, blue as the lotuses and utterly free from clouds, appeared in the sky—a sight never before seen, causing all who beheld it to smile with amazement. This unprecedented shower, stirred by the breath of the assembled Siddhas, continued for a quarter of an hour, filling the assembly with joy. When at last the gentle rain of flowers ceased and the hall was filled with the fragrance and beauty of the blossoms, those present turned their attention to the conversations of the Siddhas. The perfected ones, who for ages had wandered everywhere in the sky, now spoke among themselves: “Today, we have heard something truly unprecedented—a nectar of speech.” They marveled at the words declared by Rama, the moon of the Raghu lineage, spoken with such detachment and clarity that even the lord of speech could not surpass them. “Ah, today we have heard this great merit: words arising from Rama’s mouth, which delight the mind like nectar. He has fittingly spoken of the supreme state, beautiful as the nectar of tranquility, and thus, at once, we have been awakened by this descendant of Raghu.” All agreed that it was only right to hear the determination of the great sages regarding these purifying words uttered by Rama, the banner of the Raghu race. At that very moment, all the great sages—led by Narada, Vyasa, and Pulaha—arrived without obstruction, drawn by the sanctity and significance of the moment. They gathered around the sacred assembly of Rama, son of Dasaratha, just as bees cluster around a golden lotus, leaving no space between them. Having spoken thus, the entire divine lineage of sages who dwell in the sky descended into the assembly hall. At the forefront stood the greatest sages, the wind at their backs, while the revered ascetics of the forest mingled among the cloud-dark, water-rich, and mighty Vyasa. The assembly was adorned by illustrious sages such as Bhrigu, Angiras, and Pulastya, and protected by Cyavana, Uddālaka, Śīra, Śaralomā, and others. Their deerskins were in gentle disarray from mutual contact, their eyes sparkled with restlessness, garlands and bracelets swayed as they moved, and they carried their ritual circles with ease. Together, they shone like a cluster of stars, outshining one another in beauty, like a second sun or a fresh shower of flowers. Vyasa stood resplendent, like a network of stars in the sky; Nārada, too, shone brilliantly among the multitude. Among them, Pulastya glowed like the lord of gods, and Angiras like the sun among the deities. As this assembly of perfected sages descended from the heavens to earth, the hall of Rama, son of Dasaratha, became radiant, rising in splendor as it filled with sages. Those who moved between the sky and earth mingled together, their entwined bodies illuminating the ten directions. Their hands were adorned with flutes and bells, holding playful lotuses; their hair was crested with young blades of sacred grass and crowned with jeweled diadems. Some wore matted locks twisted into knots, crowned with Kapila’s hair; their arms were decorated with bracelets, some set with rubies. They were clothed in bark garments and loincloths, draped with silk garlands, their girdles swaying loosely, and strings of pearls moving as they walked. Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra at once honored these great beings of the heavens, offering water for washing, water for their feet, and words of welcome. King Dasaratha himself worshipped the assembly of Siddhas with all proper rites, and the Siddhas, in turn, greeted the king with courteous inquiries and words of goodwill. With mutual affection and enthusiasm, each received the proper hospitality from the other, and the celestial and earthly sages took their seats on the mats that had been carefully arranged for them. With words of praise, showers of flowers, and honor from all sides, they revered Rama, who sat before them with bowed head. In that radiant assembly, Viśvāmitra, Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and the wise ministers were all present, their royal splendor shining forth. There, too, were Nārada, son of the gods; Vyāsa, foremost among sages; Marīci, Durvāsā, and the sage Āṅgiras. Kratu, Pulastya, Pulaha, Sharaloma the eminent sage, Vatsyayana, Bharadvaja, and Valmiki, the foremost among sages, were present as well. Uddalaka, Richika, Sharyati, Cyavana, Ushmapa, Ghrtarci, Shaludi, and Valudi—all these and many other great souls, accomplished in the Vedas and their branches, who had realized the highest knowledge, were gathered there as leaders. Along with Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra, these sages—including Narada—having thoroughly studied, spoke these words to Rama, whose face was radiant and whose wisdom shone forth for all.