நoble words were spoken amidst a gathering of siddhas. At that very moment, a canopy-like rain of flowers gently descended from the sky, filling the air with divine grace. Mandara flower buds, filled with bees humming softly, spread their intoxicating fragrance and beauty everywhere, delighting all who witnessed it. It was as if streams of stars, blown by the celestial winds, had fallen to earth, and the ground shone with the radiance of heavenly women’s smiles. The flower rain poured down like a line of raindrops from a single sheltering cloud, or as if lumps of clarified butter were showered from above. Magnificent as a snowfall, resembling strings of pearls, like moonbeams or waves from a milk ocean, the cascade descended, enchanting all. The air was fragrant with the scent of lotus filaments, buzzing with bees in motion, gently swayed by a breeze sweet with humming and singing. Ketaka flower clusters spun about, heaps of blossoming water-lilies spread forth, jasmine garlands fell, and the abodes of blue lotuses shimmered in the light. The courtyards and rooftops of beautiful women’s homes filled with flowers, as the city’s residents and women peered out with uplifted necks, watching in awe. A rain appeared in the sky, clear as blue lotuses and free from clouds, never seen before, making everyone smile in wonder. Never before witnessed, stirred by the breath of crowds of accomplished beings, that shower of flowers lasted for a quarter of an hour. Once the assembly was filled and the gentle rain of flowers subsided, those present listened to the conversations of the siddhas. The siddhas, who had wandered everywhere in the sky for ages, marveled, “Today, we have heard something unprecedented—a nectar of speech. What Rama of the Raghu lineage has declared, with detachment, is indeed beyond even the reach of the lord of speech. Truly, today we have heard words from Rama’s mouth, which delight the mind like nectar. He has fittingly spoken of the supreme state, beautiful like the nectar of tranquility, and thus, at once, we have been awakened by the descendant of Raghu.” Now, it was time to hear the determination of the great sages regarding these purifying words uttered by Rama, the banner of Raghu. All the great sages, led by Narada, Vyasa, and Pulaha, arrived without obstruction. They gathered around this sacred assembly of Dasaratha’s son, like bees around a golden lotus, leaving no gaps. Having spoken thus, the entire divine lineage of sages dwelling in the sky descended into the assembly. The foremost sages stood at the front, with the wind at their backs, and the revered ones of the forest mingled among the cloud-dark, water-rich, and mighty Vyasa. The gathering was adorned by leading sages such as Bhrigu, Angiras, and Pulastya, and protected by Cyavana, Uddālaka, Śīra, Śaralomā, and others. Their deerskins were in disarray from mutual contact, their eyes restless, garlands and bracelets swaying, and they easily bore their ritual circles. Like a cluster of stars outshining one another in beauty, like a shower of flowers, like a second orb of the sun, the sages shone forth. Vyasa gleamed like a network of stars in the sky; Narada sparkled like a multitude of stars. Pulastya shone like the lord of gods among deities, and Angiras radiated like the sun among gods. As this assembly of perfected sages descended from the sky to earth, the hall of Dasaratha’s son, filled with sages, seemed to rise up in splendor. Those who moved in the sky and on earth mingled together, shining brilliantly, their bodies entwined, illuminating the ten directions. Their hands were adorned by flutes and bells, holding playful lotuses; their hair crested with young blades of sacred grass and crowned with jeweled diadems. Their heads were adorned with matted locks twisted into knots and crowned with Kapila’s hair; their arms decorated with bracelets, some set with rubies. Clothed in bark garments and loincloths, draped with silk garlands, their girdles swayed loosely, and strings of pearls moved as they walked. Vasiṣṭha and Viśvāmitra immediately honored these great beings who move through the heavens, offering them water for washing, water for their feet, and words of welcome. The king worshipped the assembly of siddhas with all proper rites; the siddhas, in turn, greeted the king with courteous inquiries and words of goodwill. With mutual affection and enthusiasm, each received proper hospitality from the other; the celestial and earthly sages took their seats on the arranged mats. With words, showers of flowers, and praises from all sides, they honored Rama, who sat before them with bowed head. There, radiant with royal splendor, were Viśvāmitra, Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and the ministers, all assembled together. Nārada, son of the gods, Vyāsa, foremost among sages, Marīci, Durvāsā, and the sage Āṅgiras were also present. Kratu, Pulastya, Pulaha, Sharaloma the eminent sage, Vatsyayana, Bharadvaja, and Valmiki, the foremost among sages, were there. Uddalaka, Richika, Sharyati, Cyavana, Ushmapa, Ghrtarci, Shaludi, and Valudi too joined. These and many others, accomplished in the Vedas and their branches, who have known what is to be known, great souls, were present there as leaders. Along with Vasistha and Vishvamitra, the sages including Narada spoke these words, having studied, to Rama, whose face was radiant.