THE BOOK OF AYODHYĀ

original: "AYODHYĀKĀNDAM"

“I am exceedingly pleased, and my influence is beyond compare, because you wish to see my beloved first-born son installed as the heir-apparent.” Having greeted them in this manner, the king, within their hearing, spoke to Vasistha, Vāmadeva, and the other priests original: "Brāhmanas"; the priestly and scholarly class of Vedic society., saying:

“This is the holy month of Chaitra A month in the traditional Hindu calendar marking the beginning of spring, roughly March–April.; the groves are beautiful with blossoms. Prepare now for the installation of Rāma.”

When the king paused, a mighty roar of approval rose from the multitude. When the noise subsided, that lord of men, the king, addressed the foremost of ascetics, Vasistha, saying:

“It is right for you, O worshipful Sir, to order the things necessary for the installation of Rāma.”

Hearing those words from the monarch, Vasistha—the chief of hermits—ordered the counselors who stood before the king with their hands joined in respect, saying:

“Early tomorrow morning, provide and store within the hall of the sacred fire original: "Agnihautric hall" gold, gems, articles for worship, Sacred Herbs original: "Sarvaushadhi"; a traditional collection of medicinal and auspicious plants, including Valerian and other aromatic drugs., white garlands, parched rice, honey, and clarified butter original: "ghee" in separate vessels. Provide also cloths fresh from the loom, a chariot, every kind of weapon, the fourfold forces The traditional Indian army structure consisting of chariots, elephants, cavalry, and infantry., an elephant with auspicious markings, a pair of fly-whisks original: "chowris"; ritual fans made from yak tails, used as symbols of royalty., a sceptre, a pale-colored umbrella, a hundred golden pitchers filled with water, a bull with horns plated in gold, and an entire tiger-skin, along with all other necessary articles.

“Furthermore, decorate all the doorways of the inner apartments and those of the entire city with garlands, sandal paste, and fragrant Incense original: "Dhupa". On the morning of the morrow, bestow upon the principal priests good rice mixed with curds and milk, so that hundreds of thousands may be fed and satisfied. At the same time, grant them clarified butter, curds, parched rice, and more than sufficient Priestly Gifts original: "Dakshinas"; ritual honorariums or donations given to scholars and priests.. Tomorrow—”