They were as greatly agitated as the crowd of merchants whose ship had foundered in the heavy seas. They explained to one another how Rama had forsaken them on anticipating their distress

They reproached themselves and praised the fish (that die as soon as they are taken out of water), and said to one another; ‘A curse on life without Rama! If God has torn us from our beloved, why did he not grant us our prayer for death?’

With many such lamentations they all returned to Ayodhya, full of bitter remorse. The anguish of parting was terrible beyond words; and it was only the hope of his return that kept them alive.

Men and women alike began to practise religious observances and fasts for ensuring Rama’s return. They were as miserable as the chakava and his mate and the lotus when bereft of the sight of the sun

Accompanied by Sita and the minister, the two brothers arrived at Shringaverapura. On beholding the celestial stream, Ganga, Rama alighted from his car and in an ecstasy of delight made it his obeisance (by falling prostrate).

Lakshmana, Sita and the minister who did obeisance, and Rama rejoiced in common with them all. A fount of all bliss and beatitude, the Ganga is the cause of all happiness and the destroyer of every pain.

Myriads were the stories and legends that Rama kept repeating as he gazed on the waves of the Ganga and told the minister, his brother (Lakshmana) and his beloved te transcendent glory of the celestial stream.