As soon as the glad news of Rama’s installation reached the ears of the people, the whole of Ayodhya resounded with jubilant strains. Fair omens manifested themselves in the bodies of Rama and Sita, omens of good fortune in the quivering of their lucky sides.

Experiencing a thrill of joy, they lovingly said to one another, ‘The omens betoken Bharat’s return. He has been a long time away and our hearts long to see him, and the auspicious omens assure us of a beloved friend’s approach.

Who in the world is so dear to us as Bharata? This and nothing else is possibly the meaning of the omens. Day and night Rama was as lovingly anxious about his brother as a turtle about its eggs (in the sand for away.)

At that time the ladies of the court were as overjoyed to hear these most glad tidings as the waves of the sea swell with delight on beholding the waxing moon. At that time the ladies of the court were as overjoyed to hear these most glad tidings as the waves of the sea swell with delight on beholding the waxing moon.

Those who brought the news were richly rewarded with ornaments and costumes. With their bodies all quivering with emotion and hearts full of rapture, all the queens proceeded to make ready festal vases.

Drawing all sorts of beautiful and very charming squares, Sumitra filled them with jewels, and Rama?s mother, drowned in joy, sent for a crowd of Brahmans and loaded them with gifts.

Then she worshipped the local deities and the gods and the Nagas (serpents), and vowed them further offerings, praying: ‘In your mercy grant Rama all that he may prosper!’ Then she worshipped the local deities and the gods and the Nagas (serpents), and vowed them further offerings, praying: ‘In your mercy grant Rama all that he may prosper!’