The Ramayana: The Book of Ayodhya

[Rāma] immediately issued out, and went to the inner apartment of his mother. There, Rāma found his mother in the temple, clad in silk, adoring the gods, and silently praying for his royal luck. There, hearing of the welcome installation of Rāma, had already come Sumitrā The second wife of King Dasharatha and mother of Lakshmana., and Lakshmana Rāma's devoted half-brother. and Sītā Rāma's wife. summoned (by Kauçalyā Rāma's mother and the senior queen.). Hearing of the installation of his son in the office of heir-apparent during the influence of the Pushyā An auspicious lunar mansion or star group in Vedic astrology considered ideal for royal ceremonies., at that time, tended by Sumitrā and Sītā and Lakshmana, there stood Kauçalyā, meditating on the triune person Janārddana An epithet for the god Vishnu, meaning "the one who protects or stirs the people.", through suspension of breath A reference to prāṇāyāma, a yogic practice of breath control used in meditation.. Rāma, approaching and saluting her engaged in auspicious observance, addressed her in excellent words, cheering her up—"O mother, by my father have I been appointed to the task of governing the people. And, agreeably to the desire of my father, tomorrow will take place my installation. Tonight Sītā will fast along with me. The priests have said thus; and this also hath been declared by my father. Do thou therefore even today provide those necessary auspicious things that will be required for myself and Vaidehi original: "Vaidehi"; a title for Sītā meaning "Princess of Videha." on the occasion of the coming installation."

Hearing of that for which she had ever wished, Kauçalyā, her voice choking with the tears born of delight, addressed Rāma, saying—"Rāma, my child, be thou long-lived; and may thy enemies find destruction! Furnished with this good fortune, do thou gladden Sumitrā's as well as my own relatives. Oh! thou wast born under an auspicious star: thou hast, O son, by thy virtues gratified thy sire Daçaratha The King of Ayodhya.. Ah! not unfruitful has proved my disinterested observance of vow unto the lotus-eyed Person; for this royal fortune of the Ikshwāku The legendary solar dynasty to which the royal family of Ayodhya belongs. race shall rest upon thee."

Having been thus addressed by his mother, Rāma looking at his brother (Lakshmana), seated in humble guise with clasped hands, with smile spake unto him, saying—"O Lakshmana, do thou together with me rule this earth. Thou