‘Whatever the lord of sages may command with regard to Rama’s installation as regent,’ said the king, ‘that you do with all speed.’

Gladly the great sage Vasishtha said in gentle accents, ‘Fetch water from all the holiest places.’ And then he enumerated by name all kinds of auspicious objects – herbs, roots, flowers, fruits and leaves;

-whisks, too, and deer-skins, and draperies of various kinds, including countless varieties of woollen and silken garments, jewels and numerous other articles of good omen which were considered useful in this world for a royal investiture.

Then after instructing them in all the ritual forms prescribed in the Vedas, he said, ‘Erect canopies of all sorts in the city and plant in the streets on all sides fruit-bearing mango trees, arecas and plantain trees.

Trace lovely squares on the floors filling them with precious jewels and bid men speedily decorate the market-place. Do reverence to Ganesha, your guru and the patron deity of the family, and diligently serve the Brahmans.

Make ready flags and banners, festal arches and vases, horses, too, and chariots and elephants.? All were obedient to the holy sage?s words and busied themselves each in his own special work.

Each of them carried out the order the high sage had given him, as it seemed, before he was bidden. The king offered worship to the Brahmans, the saints and the gods, and performed all auspicious rites to promote Rama’s prosperity.