King Daśaratha, his heart heavy with foreboding, spoke anxiously to his beloved son Rāma. “Today, O Rāma, I have seen ominous dreams—fiery meteors, accompanied by thunderous sounds, are falling from the sky. The royal astrologers have warned me that my star is beset by cruel planets: the Sun, Mars, and Rāhu. Such omens, my son, often foretell the king’s death or terrible calamity befalling the realm. “Therefore, Rāghava, before my mind becomes clouded or indecisive, you must be consecrated as crown prince. The thoughts of living beings are indeed fickle and unstable. Today, the moon has entered Pūrvāṣāḍhā before Puṣya; tomorrow, the astrologers will proclaim the auspicious conjunction with Puṣya. Therefore, during the Puṣya constellation, you must be consecrated; my heart urges me with great force. Tomorrow, I shall anoint you as crown prince, O scorcher of foes. “From this night onward, you and your wife must observe self-restraint, lying together upon a bed of darbha grass. Your friends, ever vigilant, will guard you on all sides, for great undertakings such as this often encounter obstacles. Since your brother Bharata is away from the city, the time is indeed right for your consecration. Bharata follows the path of virtue—he honors his elders, is righteous, compassionate, and has mastered his senses. Yet, the minds of men are ever unstable; but among the steadfast virtuous, their actions shine brightly, O Rāghava.” Thus instructed and permitted to prepare for his consecration on the morrow, Rāma bowed reverently to his father and departed for his own residence. Entering his home, mindful of the king’s command, he immediately made his way to his mother’s inner chambers. There, he beheld his mother Kausalyā, humble and serene, clad in fine linen, seated in silence at her shrine, praying earnestly for prosperity. Sumitrā and Lakṣmaṇa were already present, and Sītā too had arrived, having heard the joyful news of Rāma’s impending consecration. Kausalyā stood with eyes closed, surrounded by Sumitrā, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa, restraining her breath and meditating upon Janārdana, as she rejoiced at the thought that her son would be anointed as crown prince under the auspicious Puṣya constellation. While Kausalyā was still engaged in her sacred observances, Rāma approached her, greeted her with deep reverence, and spoke gently, gladdening her heart: “Mother, my father has entrusted me with the duty of protecting the people; tomorrow, by his command, I will be consecrated as crown prince. Sītā too must observe a fast tonight with me, as my teachers and father have instructed. Whatever auspicious rites are required for tomorrow’s consecration, please arrange them today for me and for Vaidehī as well.” Hearing her son’s words, Kausalyā, whose cherished wish was at last being fulfilled, replied with tears of joy choking her voice: “My child Rāma, may you live long; your adversaries are vanquished. You, endowed with prosperity, bring happiness to my kinsfolk and to Sumitrā as well. O son, you were indeed born under an auspicious star, for by your virtues you have brought delight to your father, Daśaratha. Truly, my patience has not been in vain, O lotus-eyed one, for now the royal glory of the Ikṣvāku line will rest upon you.” Turning to his brother, Rāma saw Lakṣmaṇa seated humbly with joined palms, and with a gentle smile, he said, “Lakṣmaṇa, rule this earth together with me; this royal fortune has come to you, whom I consider my second self. Saumitri, enjoy the pleasures and fruits of sovereignty; both my life and this kingdom I desire for your sake.” Having thus spoken, Rāma bowed to his mothers, took leave of Sītā, and returned to his own residence. Meanwhile, having instructed Rāma regarding the consecration, King Daśaratha summoned the chief priest, the venerable Vasiṣṭha, and said, “Go, O descendant of Kakutstha, and have Rāma and his wife observe a fast today, so that all may be auspicious and the kingdom may be rightfully attained.” Vasiṣṭha, the foremost of those versed in the Vedas, replied, “So be it,” and made his way to Rāma’s residence, mounting his excellent Brahminical chariot. Rāma, eager and full of respect, came out swiftly to honor the sage. Approaching him near the chariot, Rāma took Vasiṣṭha by the hand and personally helped him down. Seeing Rāma’s humility, the priest spoke kindly, delighting him with words befitting one both dear and deserving: “Rāma, your father is pleased with you, and you shall obtain the kingdom. Today, together with Sītā, you should undertake a fast. For tomorrow, your father Daśaratha, out of deep affection, will anoint you as crown prince, just as Nahusha did for Yayāti.” Having spoken thus, the pure and self-restrained sage then had Rāma and Vaidehī observe the prescribed fast, performing the rituals as ordained.