The responsibility for the protection of our land, the treasury, the family and the household rests on the dust of the guru’s feet. As for yourself, you should guard the land, your subjects and your capital in accordance with the directions of the sage (Vasishtha), your mothers and your ministers.’

A chief, says Tulasidasa, should be like the mouth, which alone does all the eating and drinking, yet maintains and nourishes all the other limbs with discretion.

‘Herein lies the whole essence of a king’s duty, hidden in this maxim in the same way as desire lie buried in the mind.’ In various ways the Lord comforted his brother (Bharata), but without some visible support his mind found no peace or contentment.

Bharata’s modesty and affection and the presence of the elders, the ministers and the whole assembly overwhelmed Raghunatha with a mixed feeling of embarrassment and love. The Lord at last took compassion on him and gave him his sandals, which Bharata reverently received and placed upon his head.

The sandals of the all-merciful Lord were like twin watchmen entrusted with the duty of guarding the people’s life; a pair of caskets for the jewel of Bharata’s love; the two letters of Rama’s name which bring salvation to individual souls (jiva);

- twin doors to guard the house of Raghu; a pair of hands to assist in the performance of noble deeds; pure eyes to show the noble path of service and righteousness. Bharata was as glad to receive this support as if Sita and Rama had agreed to stay (in Ayodhya).

He made obeisance and begged permission to depart, and Rama took him and clasped him to his bosom. But the malevolent lord of the immortals seizing this sad opportunity instilled into the people a spirit of dull indifference.