In five days Bharata visited all the sacred spots. The last day was spent in discussing the resplendent glory of Hari (Vishnu) and Hara (Lord Shiva) till it was dust.

(On the sixth day) early in the morning the whole company bathed and met again – Bharata, the Brahmans and the king of Tirhut (Mithila). Though Rama knew in his heart that the day was auspicious (for undertaking a return journey to Ayodhya), the gracious Lord hesitated to say so.

He looked towards his guru (the sage Vasishtha), king Janaka and the assembly, but the very next moment diffidence made him turn his eyes to the ground. The whole assembly admired his courtesy and thought that nowhere could one find a master so considerate as Rama.

Bharata, who was clever enough to read Rama’s wish, lovingly arose and with resolute courage fell prostrate and folding his hands, said, ‘Lord, you gave granted me all my desires.

For me you have all borne every affliction, and you yourself have been put to much inconvenience. Now, my lord, grant me leave to return to Ayodhya and there to serve till your return.

But, O gracious king of Kosala, compassionate to the lowly, teach me some means by practising which for the period of your exile your servant may see your feet again.

Being bound to you, O holy Lord, by ties of affection, your citizens, your kinsfolk and your subjects are all blessed and steeped in love. It is good to be tormented by the agonies of birth and death for your sake, while without you, my lord, the prize of the supreme state (of blessedness) is a worthless gain.