Oh hearing of the death of Kosala’s lord the people of Janakpur were all demented with grief. No one who saw Videha at that time thought his name (Videha or bodiless) truly appropriate. (For how could one who was bodiless be out of his mind, beside himself, for grief?)

When the king heard of Kaikeyi’s wickedness, he was as bewildered as a serpent without its head-jewel. Prince Bharata crowned king and Rama banished to the woods! The news caused deep agony to the heart of Mithila’s lord!

The king inquired of his wise men and ministers, “Tell me after careful deliberation what ought now to be done.” But reflecting on the plight of Ayodhya and discomfited by the dilemma, “Should he go or should he stay?,” no one gave any answer.

Then the king soothed and quieted himself, and after calm reflection sent four clever spies to Ayodhya to find out whether Bharatha meant well or ill and to return at once without anyone recognizing them.

The spies went to Ayodhya, and having ascertained Bharata’s disposition and noted his actions, they proceeded back to Tirhut (Mithila) just as Bharata started for Chitrakuta.

On their arrival the spies gave an account in Janaka’s court of Bharata’s doings as best as they could. The guru (the sage Shatananda), the members of the royal family, the ministers and the king were all profoundly moved with anxiety and affection at the report.

Then, collecting himself and glorifying Bharata, the king summoned his chosen warriors and commanders and, having stationed guards for the palace and city and realm, made ready his horses and elephants and chariots and many other conveyances.