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).