With a gentle smile and unwavering devotion to Dharma, Rāma spoke words that were always righteous and for the welfare of others, never indulging in quarrelsome speech. In conversation—whether questioning or answering—his wisdom shone like that of Bṛhaspati himself. His beautiful brows and wide, coppery eyes gave him a presence likened to Viṣṇu. Beloved by the world, Rāma excelled in courage, strength, and valor, ever devoted to the protection of his people, his senses never swayed by passion. Such was his capability that, if he wished, he could enjoy the pleasures of all three worlds—what, then, of this earth? Whether he showed anger or favor, it was always with purpose and justice. He punished the guilty as duty required, yet never allowed anger to touch the innocent. He bestowed wealth with joy and was pleased wherever righteousness was found. Rāma’s virtues radiated from him—self-controlled, beloved by all, and a source of happiness—like the sun shining with its rays. The very earth herself longed for Rāma, endowed as he was with truth, valor, and steadfastness, a protector like the guardians of the world. “Child,” it was said, “you are truly blessed to have such a son, virtuous beyond compare. By great fortune, this Rāghava is yours, as Marīca was to Kaśyapa.” The strength, health, and life of Rāma, who knows his own self, were renowned among gods, asuras, humans, gandharvas, and serpents alike. People throughout the city and the kingdom placed their hope in him. Women, elders, and young maidens, their minds focused, worshipped the gods morning and evening for Rāma’s sake, praying that their desire might be fulfilled by the gods’ grace. “May we see Rāma, dark as a blue lotus and destroyer of all enemies, established as crown prince, O king, your excellent son. O bestower of boons, quickly anoint your son, who is like the lord of gods, devoted to the welfare of all, and adorned with noble virtues, for our happiness.” Now, listen to the third sarga in the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. The king, having received all the people who greeted him with lotus-like joined palms, spoke to them words that were pleasing and beneficial: “Ah, I am supremely delighted, and my power is unmatched, for you desire that my eldest and dearly beloved son be installed as crown prince.” He continued, “This auspicious month of Caitra has arrived, holy and adorned with blossoming groves. Let everything be prepared for Rāma’s installation as crown prince.” When the king’s words came to an end, a great clamor of joy arose among the people. When the noise subsided, the king addressed Vasiṣṭha, the foremost sage, saying, “Whatever is required for Rāma’s consecration, with all its arrangements—today, O venerable one, you should command everything.” Hearing the king’s words, Vasiṣṭha, the best of sages, ordered those present with joined hands to bring gold, jewels, tributes, and all medicinal herbs. He instructed them to gather white garlands, parched grains, honey and clarified butter, unworn garments, a chariot, and all kinds of weapons. The fourfold army was to be prepared, along with an elephant bearing auspicious marks, both fly-whisks, the white umbrella, and the banner. He called for a hundred golden water jars, a bull with golden horns, and a complete tiger skin. “And whatever else is desirable, let all that be arranged and presented at dawn in the king’s fire-chamber.” Vasiṣṭha further commanded that the gates of the inner palace and the whole city be adorned with sandalwood garlands and fragrant incense. Excellent, wholesome food with curds and milk as condiments was to be provided in abundance for hundreds of thousands of Brahmins, as much as they wished. The foremost Brahmins were to be honored with ghee, curds, parched grains, and abundant gifts the next morning. “As soon as the sun rises tomorrow, let the auspicious rites be performed. Invite the Brahmins and arrange seats for them. Let banners be fastened and the royal road sprinkled; let all the doorkeepers and courtesans be adorned. Those with food and gifts should stand in the second courtyard of the royal residence, and at temples and shrines. Let those fit to bear garlands be stationed separately, and those with long swords and leather belts, fully armed and splendidly dressed, be present. Let the valiant men enter the great royal hall.” Having given these instructions, the two Brahmins completed the arrangements. They did everything as ordered, reported to the king, and, approaching the lord of the world, said, “It is done.” Pleased and filled with joy at their faithful execution, the radiant king then spoke to Sumantra: “Let Rāma, who is self-controlled, be brought here quickly by you.” Sumantra agreed and went at the king’s command. He brought Rāma in a chariot, being himself the best among charioteers. As they sat together, Rāma saw King Daśaratha. Kings from the east, north, west, and south, as well as foreigners, Aryans, and those dwelling in forests and mountains, all waited upon Daśaratha as the gods wait upon Indra. Among them, the royal sage shone like Indra among the Maruts. Standing on the palace terrace, Daśaratha saw his son approaching, renowned throughout the world for his valor, resembling a king of the Gandharvas.