The Ramayana: The Book of Ayodhya

This title translates to "The Book of Ayodhya," the second volume of the Ramayana which focuses on the events in the capital city.

"...just as King Nahusha once installed his son Yayāti Ancient kings used here as a historical precedent for a father passing the throne to a worthy son.." Having said this, that pure-spirited sage, observing the traditional vows with mantras Sacred ritual chants or prayers., led Rāma and Sītā in the ritual of fasting. Then, after being duly worshipped by Rāma and receiving the departure-blessing from Kākutstha A title for Rāma, meaning "descendant of Kakutstha," a legendary ancestor., the King’s spiritual preceptor departed from Rāma’s residence.

Rāma, having passed some time with his pleasant-spoken friends and being honored by them, took his leave and entered his private apartment. At that time, Rāma’s residence was filled with joyful men and women; it was like a lake filled with lotuses and graced by the calls of excited birds.

On the other hand, Vasistha, emerging from Rāma's palace—which was itself as grand as the King's—found the streets overflowing with people. On all sides, the highways of Ayodhyā were crowded with curious groups of men. The roar that rose from the highways due to the throngs and the noise was like the crashing of the ocean. The streets had been cleared, washed, and hung with flower garlands; on that day, the houses of Ayodhyā were decorated with raised flagstaffs. Throughout the city, men, women, and children eagerly awaited the rising of the sun and Rāma’s installation. The people were burning to behold the magnificent festivities in Ayodhyā, which served as an ornament to the citizens and increased the people's joy.

Cutting through the crowd thronging the highway, the priest slowly made his way to the royal family's quarters. Ascending the palace, which stood as high as a peak of the Himavat The Himalayan mountains., he met with the lord of men King Dasharatha., just as Vrihaspati The priest of the gods. might meet with Sakra A name for Indra, the King of the Gods.. Seeing him arrive, the King rose from his royal throne and asked Vasistha if his mission had been carried out, to which Vasistha answered that it had. The courtiers, who had sat with Dasharatha throughout the day, rose from their seats to honor the priest. Then, with the permission of his spiritual guide, the monarch left that assembly of men and entered—