‘Rama is ruled by love and modesty,’ cried the king of heaven anxiously. ‘We must combine to devise some scheme, or else we are all doomed!’

So the gods invoked Sarasvati in flattering terms, ‘O Goddess,’ they cried, ‘we celestials have sought refuge in you; pray protect us. Alter Bharata’s purpose by using your magic influence and by some deceptive artifice rescue the empyrean race.’

When the wise goddess heard the gods’ petition and realized that selfishness had robbed them of their senses, she replied, ‘You ask me to alter Bharata’s purpose! You cannot see Mount Sumeru for al your thousand eyes!

Exceedingly great is the illusive power of Brahma, Vishnu and Shiva, but it cannot see through Bharata’s purpose, and that is the purpose you bid me pervert! Look, can moonlight steal the flaming sun?

Bharata’s heart is the abode of Sita and Rama; can darkness invade the splendour of the sun?’ so saying, Sarasvati withdrew to Brahma’s heaven, leaving the gods as downcast as the chakava at night.

The self-seeking, mean-minded gods devised wicked plots and crafty schemes and weaving a powerful net of deceptive artifices, let loose dread and confusion, sorrow and disheartenment.

Having practised this villainy, Indra thought that the success or failure of his plans lay in Bharata’s hands. Now, when Janaka (and others) went to Raghunatha, the light of the Solar race received them all with honour.