In response to the king's wishes, Rama wended his way in all haste to the royal abode. Accompanied by his friends and well wishers, he went through highways lined with imosing mansions, their roofs almost touching the clouds.The air was redolent with the scent of aromatic resins and sandal as Rama beheld Ayodhya, the pride of the world, in all its glory. Traders displayed their exquisite wares of rich silks, pearls, perfumes and endless other merchandise. Anything and everything was available for the asking.As Rama passed through this splendor, benedictions were showered on him from all directions. Every lip moved in a prayer for him, and every heart wished for his well being, peace and prosperity.

The charm of the god like Ikshvaku prince was mesmeric. The citizens were spell bound and so were those visiting from far and near at such beauty and radiance.They looked upon Rama whose demeanor was so compassionate, so serene and so very divine, in wonder and veneration Their gaze riveting on his face refused to shift, as they stood transfixed in his glow, like those in a trance. Ecstatic were those, on whom fell his benign glance, while shattered were they who could not even catch a glimpse of him. Feeling bereft they were held in contempt by their own conscience. But, noble Rama beheld all with impartial grace, courtesy and mercy. "No greater fortune can befall us, than to witness the coronation of Rama," was the verdict of the people. After paying homage to every temple, monument and grove enroute Rama reached the first gateway to his father's palace. He went through the first three gateways on his chariot, the next two by walking through them and finally leaving behind his retinue he went to see his father.