Thus, King Daśaratha once more urged his trusted charioteer, Sumantra, to carry out his command. Hearing the king’s words, Sumantra bowed his head in deep reverence and set forth from the royal residence. He departed with a heart uplifted, believing he bore joyful news, and entered the main royal road, which was beautifully adorned with banners and fluttering flags. Delighted and full of anticipation, Sumantra moved swiftly along the road, attentively observing all around him. As he went, he heard the people’s conversations, and everywhere, talk of Rāma filled the air. The city was alive with happiness about Rāma’s impending consecration; the joy of the people was unmistakable. Soon, Sumantra beheld the splendid house of Rāma, radiant like Mount Kailāsa itself. Rāma’s residence shone with the brilliance of Indra’s own palace, its grand doors closed and adorned with many elegant balconies. Golden images and gateways arched with jewels and coral made the house stand out, glowing like clouds in autumn and shining like a cave on Mount Meru. The mansion was magnificently decorated with garlands of precious gems, its floors strewn with pearls and jewels, and the air perfumed with the scents of sandalwood and agaru. A delightful fragrance, reminiscent of a mountain peak in the rainy season, wafted from the house, which resounded with the calls of cranes and peacocks. Around it were beautifully crafted deer, made with great devotion, captivating the eyes and hearts of all who beheld the scene. The house radiated like the sun and moon, equal in splendor to Kubera’s mansion or Indra’s abode, and was alive with the songs of many birds. As Sumantra gazed at Rāma’s house, towering like the peak of Mount Meru, he saw it crowded with people who had gathered, standing with joined palms in anticipation. Country folk had assembled, their faces beaming with joy at the thought of Rāma’s consecration. The mansion, majestic as a great cloud, was filled with various gems and surrounded even by dwarfs. Guiding his horse-drawn chariot, Sumantra brought activity and excitement to the royal palace, delighting the hearts of all the city’s people as he approached with his splendid escort. When he reached the magnificent and wealthy house, joy overwhelmed him, and the hair on his body stood on end. The house, alive with deer and peacocks, shone like the abode of Indra’s queen. Entering chambers adorned like Mount Kailāsa and resembling the dwellings of the gods, Sumantra passed by many of Rāma’s devoted and excellent attendants, finally reaching the pure inner quarters. There, he heard the joyful voices of people gathered for Rāma’s consecration, their words full of auspicious wishes for the king’s son, delighting the whole world. Sumantra beheld Rāma’s palace, as splendid as Indra’s own, delightful and inhabited by deer and birds, towering like Mount Meru and radiant with its own brilliance. At the entrance, villagers crowded together, bearing gifts and offering respectful salutations. Countless vehicles were parked, making the gateway a bustling scene. He also saw the mighty elephant Shatruñjaya, fit for Rāma, imposing and fierce as a cloud-covered mountain, splendid and difficult to restrain even by goads. Chief ministers, splendidly adorned and accompanied by horses, chariots, and elephants, all dear to Rāma, filled the area. Passing through them on every side, Sumantra entered the prosperous inner palace. Unstoppable, Sumantra entered a mansion vast and resplendent, like a mountain peak, filled with treasures—just as a makara enters the ocean. Let the sixteenth chapter now be heard. Crossing the crowded palace entrance, Sumantra, well-versed in ancient ways, reached a secluded chamber. There stood young men, vigilant and loyal, bearing swords and bows, adorned with polished earrings, guarding their master. He also saw elderly men in saffron robes, holding staffs and adorned, stationed at the door, and women’s overseers, attentive and composed. As Sumantra approached, all those eager to please Rāma quickly rose from their seats in respect and haste. With a humble heart, Sumantra circled them and said, “Quickly tell Rāma that Sumanta waits at the door.” Eager to serve their master, they promptly informed Rāma and Sītā of Sumanta’s arrival. Hearing the message, Rāghava—ever desiring to please—summoned the charioteer into his father’s inner chamber. There, Sumantra saw Rāma, radiant as Kubera, seated and adorned upon a golden couch with a canopy. The scorcher of foes was anointed with pure, fragrant sandalwood paste, deep red like boar’s blood, and of supreme worth. Beside him stood Sītā, holding a yak-tail fan, resplendent and lovely as the moon attended by a beautiful star. With reverence and humility, Sumantra bowed to Rāma, who shone with his own brilliance like the blazing sun, the bestower of boons. Honored by the king, Sumantra, with joined palms, addressed the prince—whose face was radiant—as he reclined at ease. “O Rāma, son of Kausalyā, your father wishes to see you. Go there without delay, along with Queen Kaikeyī.” Thus addressed, Rāma, the lion among men, radiant and delighted, honored Sītā and spoke these gentle words to her: “Devi, the king and queen are surely conferring together in my absence, discussing something related to the consecration.” He continued, “She, devoted to my welfare—my mother, the daughter of the king of Kekaya—also desires my prosperity. By good fortune, the great king, together with his beloved queen, has sent Sumanta as a messenger, eager to fulfill my wishes.