Again and again they pressed Sita to their hearts and courteously bade her farewell. Having now an excellent opportunity, the prudent queen eloquently described Bharata’s state of mind to the king.

When the monarch heard of Bharata’s conduct, rare as a combination of gold with fragrance or as nectar extracted from the moon, he closed his tearful eyes and trembled with emotion as he broke out into rapturous praises of his bright glory:

‘Attend to me, O fair-faced and bright-eyed lady! The story of Bharata loosens the bonds of worldly existence. Religion, statecraft and an inquiry into Brahma (the Infinite) are domains to which I have some access according to my ability.

But though acquainted with these subjects, that ability of mine cannot pretend to touch even the shadow of Bharata’s greatness, much less describe it. To Brahma, Ganapati (Ganesha), Shesha (the Serpent King), Shiva and Sarasvati, seers, sages and wise men and others who are clever in judgement.

- to all these do Bharata’s acts and glory, his doings, piety and amiability, his goodness and spotless majesty are delightful to hear and appreciate. They surpass the celestial stream purity and nectar in taste.

Possessed of infinite virtues is he and a man above comparison; know Bharata alone to be like Bharata. The wit of the whole race of poets shrinks from comparing him with any human being, even as it shrinks from declaring that Mount Sumeru weighs only a kilogram.

Bharata’s greatness, O fair lady, is as impossible to describe as it is impossible for a fish to move upon dry land. Listen, O beloved queen: illimitable though Bharata’s majesty is, Rama comprehends it, but not even he can describe it.’