Throughout the city and the countryside, in every corner of the kingdom and its splendid capital, the hearts of the people brimmed with hope for Rāma. Women, elders, and young maidens alike, their minds intent and unwavering, offered worship to the gods every morning and evening, praying fervently for Rāma’s well-being. “May our prayers be fulfilled by your grace, O divine ones,” they entreated. Their deepest wish was to behold Rāma, dark as a blue lotus and the vanquisher of all enemies, established as the crown prince—King Daśaratha’s own excellent son. “O bestower of boons,” they urged the king, “for our happiness, you should quickly anoint your son—who is like the lord of the gods, devoted to the welfare of all, and endowed with every noble virtue.” Now begins the third sarga of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa, Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa. Having received the people’s respectful salutations, their hands joined like lotus buds, King Daśaratha addressed them with words that were both pleasing and full of benefit. “Ah,” he said, “I am supremely delighted, and my strength is unmatched, for you desire that my eldest and most beloved son be installed as crown prince.” He continued, “The auspicious month of Caitra has arrived, sacred and adorned with blossoming groves. Let all preparations be made for Rāma’s installation as crown prince.” When the king’s words ceased, a great clamor of joy rose among the people. As the noise gradually subsided, Daśaratha turned to Vasiṣṭha, the foremost among sages, and said, “Whatever is required for Rāma’s consecration, with all its arrangements—today, O revered one, you should command everything.” Hearing the king’s command, Vasiṣṭha, best of sages, instructed those assembled before the king, their hands joined in reverence, to gather gold and other precious jewels, tributes, and all kinds of medicinal herbs. He ordered them to bring white garlands, parched grains, honey and clarified butter, unworn garments, a chariot, and all manner of weapons. The fourfold army was to be readied, along with an auspiciously marked elephant, both fly-whisks, the white royal umbrella, and the banner. A hundred golden water jars were to be prepared, as well as a bull with golden horns and a complete tiger skin. “And whatever else is desirable,” Vasiṣṭha instructed, “let all that be arranged and presented at dawn in the king’s fire-chamber.” He commanded that the gates of the inner palace and the entire city be adorned with garlands of sandalwood 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 desired. The foremost Brahmins were to be honored, and gifts of ghee, curds, parched grains, and abundant treasures were to be given to them the next morning. “As soon as the sun rises tomorrow,” Vasiṣṭha continued, “let the auspicious rites be performed. Invite the Brahmins and arrange seats for them. Fasten banners and sprinkle the royal road. Adorn all the doorkeepers and courtesans. Those bearing food and gifts should stand in the second courtyard of the royal residence, as well as at temples and shrines. Those fit to bear garlands should be stationed separately, and warriors with long swords and leather belts, splendidly dressed and fully armed, must be present. Let the valiant men enter the great royal hall.” Having given these instructions, the two Brahmins completed all the arrangements. They carried out every order faithfully, reported to the king, and, approaching the lord of the world, declared, “It is done.” Pleased and filled with joy at their careful execution of his wishes, the radiant king then spoke to Sumantra: “Let Rāma, who is self-controlled, be brought here quickly by you.” Sumantra, agreeing at once, went forth at the king’s command. He brought Rāma in a chariot, himself the best among charioteers. As they arrived and sat together, Rāma beheld 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. Amidst them, the royal sage shone forth 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. Rāma, long-armed and mighty, moved with the grace of a proud elephant; his face shone like the moonstone, and he was exceedingly pleasing to behold. With beauty, nobility, and virtues that captivated the eyes and hearts of all, he delighted the people, parched by longing, as rain delights the earth. As Rāma drew near, the king could not have his fill of gazing at him. Sumantra helped Rāghava descend from the excellent chariot. With joined palms, Sumantra followed behind Rāma as he approached his father; the joy of the Raghu line entered that palace, shining like a peak of Kailāsa. Rāghava swiftly ascended to see the king in the palace. Approaching with joined hands, he bowed before his father and announced his own name. Seeing Rāma bowed in humility, the king drew his beloved son close, grasping his joined hands. He offered Rāma a splendid seat adorned with gems and gold, directing him to that highest place of honor. Having attained that excellent seat, Rāghava shone forth, his own radiance pure as the sun rising on Mount Meru, illuminating the assembly and making it resplendent.