There were thrones and couches, drapery and canopies, groves and gardens with birds and beasts of every kind; sweet-scented flowers and fruits tasting like ambrosia, many a lake and pond of limpid water;

- food and drink, too, of an undefiled and innocent character, which were more delicious than nectar and ambrosia, and which the guests would hesitate to accept like so many ascetics. Every house was supplied with a celestial cow ( the cow of plenty) and a tree of Paradise, the very sight of which made Indra and his consort, Shachi, envious.

The season was spring and a cool, fragrant and gentle breeze was blowing; everyone had all the four rewards of life within one’s easy reach. At the sight of luxuries like garlands, sandal-paste and women, the guests were overcome by mingled feelings of joy and dismay.

Affluence, like the chakavi, and Bharata, like her mate, were imprisoned together that night in the cage of the hermitage by the sage’s command, as by a flower. And they remained there till daybreak. (Affluence and luxury had o effect on Bharata’s mind. Though the chakavi and her mate spend the night in the same cage, their abhorrence of physical union is well known.)

Then Bharata bathed at Prayaga in the Triveni and with all his company bowed his head to the sage (Bharadvaja). Bharata reverently received his orders and blessings and prostrating himself, offered many humble prayers.

Accompanied by guides well acquainted with the road and taking the whole host along with him, he set out with his thoughts directed towards Chitrakuta. Holding Rama’s friend (Guha) by the hand, he walked along like the very incarnation of Love.

With neither shoes to protect his feet nor shade of his head, his love and self-discipline, austerity and piety were unfeigned. He asked his companion to give an account of the wanderings of Lakshmana, Rama and Sita, and in gentle tones the Nishada told the story.