With hands respectfully joined, Sumantra followed behind Rāma as he made his way toward his father’s palace. The joy of the Raghu lineage approached that grand abode, radiant like the peak of Kailāsa itself. Rāghava, swift and purposeful, ascended to see King Daśaratha within those halls. Approaching with humility, Rāma bowed deeply before his father, announcing his own name and touching the king’s feet in reverence. Witnessing his beloved son bowed before him, the king reached out, drawing Rāma close and clasping his joined hands. He offered him a splendid seat, adorned with gems and gold, directing him to that highest, most beautiful place. Seated there, Rāghava shone forth, his own radiance pure as the sun rising over Mount Meru, illuminating the entire assembly with brilliance. The gathering, like the autumn sky lit by moon and stars, glowed with Rāma’s presence. King Daśaratha, seeing his cherished son, felt deeply satisfied—he saw himself reflected in Rāma, as if gazing into a spotless mirror. Then, the best of fathers addressed his well-seated son, speaking to Rāma as Kaśyapa might to Indra: “You are born of my chief queen and are worthy in every way—a son deserving of honor. You are my beloved, Rāma, supreme in virtues; by your qualities, you have won the hearts of all the people. Therefore, under the star Puṣya, you shall receive the office of heir-apparent, for you have been found virtuous both by nature and by your own choice. “Yet, though you are virtuous, out of affection I will speak for your good, my son: ever maintain humility and always keep your senses under control. Abandon the faults that arise from desire and anger; conduct yourself with proper behavior both in private and in public. Win over all—from ministers onward—and the people as well; amass great stores in the treasuries and armories. He who rules the earth with subjects who are devoted and loving, his friends rejoice as the gods do when they obtain nectar. Therefore, my son, restrain yourself and act accordingly.” Hearing these instructions, Rāma’s devoted friends, eager to please him, quickly hurried to Kausalyā and reported the king’s words. Kausalyā, foremost among noble women, joyfully distributed gold, cows, and various jewels to those dear to her. After saluting the king, Rāghava mounted his chariot and returned to his splendid home, honored by crowds of people. The citizens, having heard the king’s pronouncement, rejoiced as if they had gained a great prize. After taking leave of the king, they returned to their homes, filled with joy, and worshipped the gods. Now, hear the fourth chapter. Once the people had departed, King Daśaratha again conferred with his ministers. After careful deliberation, the resolute king made his decision: “Tomorrow is the auspicious Puṣya day; tomorrow my son Rāma, whose eyes are like lotus petals, will be consecrated as crown prince,” he declared. Entering his inner chambers, King Daśaratha summoned the charioteer and instructed him, “Bring Rāma here again.” The doorkeepers announced to Rāma that he was being summoned once more, and upon hearing this, Rāma became apprehensive. Admitted quickly, Rāma asked, “Tell me in full the reason for your coming.” The charioteer replied, “The king wishes to see you; after hearing this, you may go or not as you see fit.” Hearing these words, Rāma, filled with urgency, returned to the royal palace to see his father. When King Daśaratha heard that Rāma had arrived, he, wishing to speak kindly, had him brought into the chamber. As Rāghava entered his father’s palace, he saw the king from afar and bowed down with joined palms. The king raised him up, embraced him, offered him a seat, and spoke again to Rāma. “Rāma,” he said, “I am old, long-lived, and have enjoyed pleasures as I wished. I have performed hundreds of sacrifices with abundant gifts, as desired. Today, O best of men, you are my incomparable and cherished son, born as I wished; I have given, learned, and achieved what I desired. O hero, I have also experienced happiness; I am free of debts to the gods, seers, ancestors, priests, and to myself. I have nothing else to do for you except your consecration; therefore, whatever I tell you now, you ought to carry out for me. “Today, all the people desire you as their king; thus, my son, I will consecrate you as the crown prince. Moreover, today, O Rāma, I see ominous dreams; fiery meteors with thunderous sounds are falling down. Astrologers inform me that my star is afflicted by cruel planets—by the Sun, Mars, and Rāhu. Generally, when such omens arise, the king meets death and terrible calamity. Therefore, Rāghava, before my mind becomes confused, you must be consecrated; for the thoughts of living beings are indeed fickle. Today, the moon has reached Pūrvāṣāḍhā before Puṣya; tomorrow, astrologers will certainly announce the conjunction with Puṣya.” Thus, King Daśaratha spoke, his heart full of affection and concern, preparing for Rāma’s consecration as the crown prince, while all the people and the royal household rejoiced in anticipation.