In whatever place the chief of seers, Atri, may bid you, there deposit the water from the holy places.’ On hearing the reply of his Lord Bharata rejoiced and cheerfully went and bowed his head at the sage’s lotus feet.

When the selfish gods heard this conversation between Bharata and Rama, which was a fountain of all fair blessings, they applauded the house of Raghu and rapturously rained down flowers from the tree of Paradise.

‘Blessed be Bharata and glory to our Lord Rama!’ exclaimed the gods in their irrepressible joy. The sage Vasishtha, the king of Mithila and everyone in the assembly rejoiced on hearing Bharata’s words.

Thrilling all over with joy, king Videsha broke out into ecstatic praises of all the perfections of Bharata and Rama, the equally charming disposition of both master and servant, their constancy and affection, which can sanctify the purest of the pure.

The ministers and the councillors, all immersed in love, began to praise them, each according to his ability. In both camps a mixed feeling of joy and sorrow throbbed in the hearts of all when they heard the conversation between Rama and Bharata.

Realizing that pleasure and pain were alike, Rama’s mother comforted the other queen-mothers, recounting Rama’s excellences. Some would glority Rama, while others would praise Bharata’s goodness.

Then said Atri to Bharata, ‘There is a beauteous well near the hill; there deposit the holy water, pure, ambrosial and without compare.’