- and , entrusting the reins of the government to the minister, the guru (Vasishtha) and Bharata, he set out for Tirhut (his capital) after making all necessary preparations. In obedience to the preceptor’s directions the men and women of the city settled down happily in Rama’s capital (Ayodhya).

Under the spur of their longing to see Rama once again the people practised religious austerities and fasted, and discarding all personal adornments and luxurious delights, lived only in the hope that the term of his exile would expire soon.

Bharata instructed his ministers and faithful servants, who performed their duties as bidden. Then, calling his younger brother (Shatrughna), he instructed him and entrusted to him the care of the dowager queens.

Then Bharata summoned the Brahmans and, making obeisance with folded hands, prayed to them with great humility, saying, ‘Charge me with any duty, high or low, good or bad, and hesitate not to issue your commands.’

He also sent for his kinsfolk, the citizens and other subjects, and setting their minds at rest, settled them in comfortable dwellings. Accompanied by his younger brother (Shatrughna), he then called on his guru and fell down before him in devout supplication and said with folded hands:

‘With your permission I will now live a life of penance.’ Thrilling over with rapturous love, the sage replied, ‘Whatever you think and say and do will be the essence of righteousness for this world.’

Hearing this, and receiving his instructions and his priceless blessing, Bharata sent for the astrologers and, fixing an auspicious day (and hour), installed on the throne the wooden sandals of his Lord without let or hindrance.