Chapter LXXX: Section V

Having given his directions unto Rama as to his incoming installation on the morrow, the king, summoning his priest, Vasishtha spake unto him, saying,--"O thou, having asceticism for thy wealth, go, unto Kakutstha, and for his welfare and obtaining the kingdom, make him fast along with tny daughter-in-law." Thereupon, saying, "So be it," that best of those versed in the Veda, the worshipful Vasistha conversant wdth _mantras_, that one practicing excellent vows, mounting a Brahma car, himself went unto the residence of Rama cognizant of _mantras_, for the purpose of making him fast. And that foremost of ascetics, having readied Rama's sable hued residence resembling a mass of clouds, passed through three several apartments, mounted on the car. With the view of honoring the saint worthy of honor, Rama swiftly issued out of his abode. And nearing the car of that intelligent one, Rama, personally taking him by the hand, made him descend. Finding Rama so humble and dear, the priest addressed him, gratifying and delighting him with words that were acceptable,--"O Rama thy father hath been well pleased with thee; since thou achievest the kingdom (through him). Do thou to-day fast with Sita. And in the morning, the king, thy father Dacaratha, will, well-pleased install thee as heir-apparent like Nahusha installing Yayati." Having said this, that pure spirited one, observing vows with _mantras_, made Rama fast along with Sita. Then having been duly worshipped by Rama, and taken Kakutstha's permission, the spiritual preceptor of the king, went away from Rama's residence. Rama, having passed sometime with sweet-speeched friends, and been honored by them, with their permission entered his apartment. At that time Rama's residence was filled with joyous men and women; and it was like unto a lake containing lotuses and graced with maddened birds.

(On the other hand) Vasishtha, issuing from the palace of Rama like unto the king's palace itself, found the street filled with people. On all sides, Ayodhya's high-ways were crowded with groups of men full of curiosity. The tumult that arose in the high-ways in consequence of the concourse and noise, was like the roaring of the ocean. The streets were cleared and washed and hung with garlands; and that day Ayodhya had her dwellings furnished with upraised flagstaffs. In the city of Ayodhya men with women and children eagerly expected the rising of the sun (next day), and Rama's installation; and the people burnt to behold in Ayodhya the august festivity, that was like unto an ornament unto the subjects, and that enhanced the joy of the people. Dividing the crowd thronging the high-way, the priest slowly proceeded to the royal family. And ascending the palace like unto a peak of the Himavat, he met with the lord of men, like Vrihaspati meeting with Sakra. Seeing him come, the king rising up from his royal seat, asked Vasishtha whether his intention had been carried out, whereupon Vasishtha answered that it had. The courtiers who had all along sat with Dacaratha, rose from the seats, for worshipping the priest. Then with the permission of his spiritual guide, leaving that assembly of men, the monarch entered his inner apartment like a lion entering his den. Even as the moon illumineth the firmament crowded with stars, the handsome king entered his mansion, like unto the abode of the mighty Indra, and thronged with females excellently attired,--gracing it (by his presence).