THE BOOK OF AYODHYA

...the sweet and solemn tones of the expression "Holy day" original: punyāha-vācana; a rite where Brahmins declare the day to be auspicious uttered by them. The inhabitants of Ayodhyā, hearing that Rāghava A name for Rāma, meaning "descendant of King Raghu." had fasted with Vaidehī A name for Sītā, meaning "Princess of Videha.", rejoiced exceedingly.

Then the citizens, hearing of the upcoming installation of Rāma, and seeing that the night had departed, began to adorn the city. Standards with banners were beautifully raised on the temples of the gods—which reached upward like mountain peaks and were surrounded by white clouds—at the crossroads, on the highways, over the chaitya tree A sacred tree, often located at a crossroads or shrine, believed to be the home of spirits., on the palaces, over the warehouses of merchants filled with goods, and over the prosperous mansions of householders; they were also raised over all the council chambers and conspicuous trees. The people then heard the music—soothing to both the ear and heart—of performers, dancers, and singers chanting. The people began to talk with one another regarding the installation of Rāma; and as the time for his coronation arrived, on the terraces and in the houses, and at the doorways, groups of boys playing together spoke to each other about the installation of Rāma.

For the occasion of the investiture of Rāma, the beautiful highways were adorned with garlands and scented with dhūpa incense A traditional aromatic resin used for purification and fragrance. by the citizens. And fearing that Rāma might come out during the night to see the beautified capital, the inhabitants of the city—both for the purpose of decoration and for the sake of seeing Rāma himself—had placed lamp-stands in the form of branched trees along the roadsides. Eagerly expecting the investiture of Rāma as the heir-apparent, and having thus ornamented the city, the people assembled on terraces and in council halls. Talking with each other, they praised the lord of men, saying:

"Ah, how high-souled is this king—the one who continues the Ikshwāku race The legendary solar dynasty to which the kings of Ayodhyā belonged.; for, knowing himself to be old, he will now install Rāma as the ruler of the kingdom. We are indeed fortunate, since the good Rāma, who is capable of understanding the character of others, will be the lord of the earth and our protector. He possesses a heart free of arrogance, and he is learned, righteous in soul, and affectionate to his..."