Just as gold is refined by fire, so is the lover who fulfils his vow of devotion to the feet of the beloved.’ In response to Bharata’s speech there came from the midst of the Triveni a sweet and benedictory voice;

‘Dear Bharata, you are altogether upright, and your love for Rama’s feet is unbounded; in vain do you distress yourself, for there is no one so dear to Rama as you are.’

A thrill ran through Bharata’s body and his soul rejoiced to ear Triveni’s gracious speech. ‘Blessed, blessed is Bharata!’ cried the gods and gleefully showered down flowers.

The inhabitants of Prayaga – anchorites, religious students, householders and mendicants – were transported with joy. Meeting in small groups they said to one another, ‘Bharata’s affection and amiability are artless and genuine.’

Still hearing of Rama’s many charming virtues, he came to the great sage Bharadvaja. The sage saw him falling prostrate before him and looked upon him as his own good luck incarnate.

He ran and raised him up and clasped him to his bosom and gave him the blessing the desired and offered him a seat; with his head bent low, he sat down, looking as though he would run off and shrink into the inmost recesses of shamefacedness.

He was apprehensive that the sage would question him. But perceiving his embarrassment, the sage said to him, ‘Listen, Bharata! I have heard everything; God’s doings are beyond our power.