Upon the delight of all in attendance, King Dasaratha addressed the assembly of sages—Vasishtha, Vamadeva—and a host of priests, high officials, and noblemen. He received their homage with grace and spoke thus:
“At our last gathering, the will of the people was resoundingly clear: that Rama, my son, should be crowned as prince regent. I, too, have reflected deeply upon this, and my resolve aligns with yours. The month of Chaitra, when nature herself is adorned with blossoms and fragrance, is most fitting for such an auspicious event. Therefore, let the coronation be a grand affair, imbued with sacred rites and celebration.”
A wave of approval swept through the court as applause and joyful exclamations slowly ebbed away. Observing the readiness of his audience, King Dasaratha turned to Vasishtha and commanded, “Noble sage, make all preparations. Mobilize the necessary aides and ensure everything is in place.”
With a respectful bow, Vasishtha replied, “O King, your decision is both timely and wise.” He called forth the council and instructed, “By dawn tomorrow, all essential offerings must reach the altar: gold, silver, copper, and bronze in ample measure; jewels, ceremonial provisions, sacred herbs, white flowers, and yellow rice; honey, ghee, silken garments, chariots, and arms. Warriors, clad in full regalia, and a holy elephant adorned with a golden-crowned canopy, shall accompany the procession. Let there be a hundred gilded urns, an ox with gold-plated horns, and a tanned tiger skin. Procure all with haste and place them by the appointed hour.”
Vasishtha added, “Ensure priests have all they might require beyond this list without delay. Let Ayodhya’s gates be perfumed with sandalwood, festooned with leaves, vines, and flowers, and sprinkle the streets with fragrant water. Prepare bountiful, sanctified meals of ghee, curd, and seasonal fruits, enough for thousands. At dawn’s break, serve the Brahmins and learned scholars with ample offerings and cloth, in keeping with tradition.”
Instructing further, he said, “Let six Vedic scholars chant hymns at first light. Arrange their seats with reverence. The city shall bloom with banners of vibrant hues, the path and all junctions washed in turmeric water, and bordered with lime. Musicians, dancers, and bards must stand ready at every corner. Let the temples resound with chants, offerings, and prasad for the devotees. Warriors, both mounted and on foot, shall guard the sacred fire platform, fully armed and in polished attire.”
Both Vasishtha and Vamadeva, meticulous in their duty, reported back to the king, “Your commands have been executed with utmost precision.” Satisfied, King Dasaratha summoned Sumantra and said, “Escort Rama to my presence.” Sumantra hastened to his duty, and as he approached, all leaders from the south, north, Aryavarta, and distant lands—the heads of forests, plains, mountains, and caves—awaited eagerly to greet the noble prince.
Rama appeared radiant as he stepped down from the chariot, a paragon of grace and strength, his arms long and powerful, his gait majestic like that of a mighty elephant. A murmur swept through the onlookers: “What divine brilliance! His countenance outshines even the full moon.” Sumantra followed behind with folded hands, and Rama, upon reaching his father, bowed deeply, offering reverence to all.
King Dasaratha, beaming with pride, touched Rama’s head in blessing. Elevated on a throne wrought with gold and ancient craftsmanship, he spoke with a smile, “Rama, dearer to me than life itself, you have won the love and trust of our people through your virtues. On the day of the Pushya star, I shall consecrate you as the crown prince. Though you are gentle and wise, I must remind you to guard against anger and temptation. Be vigilant and unyielding in humility and devotion. Stand by your ministers with guidance, sometimes through counsel unseen, yet never neglect the duty that requires your oversight.
The Manusmriti holds that the king must be well-versed in the ‘Sapta Prakriti’—the seven pillars of state: the king himself, his ministers, fortresses, the kingdom, treasury, army, and allies. Attend these with diligence. Keep your wealth and armory abundant, and maintain the loyalty of neighboring rulers.”
Hearing this, the assembly was filled with admiration. Envoys hastened to Queen Kaushalya with tidings of this momentous decree, and she, radiant with joy, rewarded the messengers with gifts of gold, jewels, and fine garments.
Rama, with heartfelt gratitude, bowed before all, sought his father’s leave, and departed to his chambers. As the crowd dispersed with the king’s blessing, Dasaratha spoke privately to his ministers, “Be watchful, for an event of great magnitude is at hand.”
Thus began the stirrings of what would unfold as a tale of profound human complexity, the maneuverings of palace intrigue, and the unparalleled virtues of noble hearts.
