Bharata derived supreme consolation; now that his master was propitious to him, his pain and sense of guilt took to light. His face lit up with joy and his soul shed its sorrow; he looked like a dumb man to whom Sarasvati had granted the gift of speech.

He then made loving obeisance and spoke with his lotus hands folded: ‘My lord, I have derived the joy of having accompanied you and reaped the reward of my birth into this world.

Now, my gracious Lord, whatever be your command, that will I reverently and dutifully carry out. Pray vouchsafe to me, Lord, some support, by serving which I may struggle on to the end of the term of your exile.

In obedience to our guru’s bidding, my Lord, I have brought here water from all the holy places for your coronation; what are your orders concerning it?

I have one great longing in my heart, but due to fear and diffidence I am unable to mention it.’ ‘Tell me, dear brother, what it is,’ said the Lord, and at his bidding Bharata replied in affectionate, winning tones:

‘With your permission I would go and see Chitrakuta and all its sacred spots and holy places, the woods, the birds and beasts, the lakes and streams, springs and hills, and especially the land adorned with my lord’s footprints.’

‘Yes, brother,’ he replied, ‘but first do as the sage Atri bids you to do and then wander without fear through the woods. It is the sage’s blessing, brother, that makes the forest so auspicious, holy and exquisitely beautiful.