‘Great indeed is he and he the repository of all perfections, O chief of sages, whom you are pleased to honour.’ The sage (Bharadvaja) and Rama thus exchanged their courtesies and experienced ineffable joy.

On receiving this news the people of Prayaga, including religious students, ascetics, hermits, adepts and recluses, all flocked to the hermitage of Bharadvaja to have a look at the charming sons of Dasharath.

Rama did obeisance to them all, who were delighted to feast their eyes on him. Deriving supreme joy they gave their blessings and returned home, extrolling the beauty of the royal guests.

Rama reposed (in the hermitage) that night. At daybreak he bathed at Prayaga (at the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna), and then proceeded on his journey with Sita, Lakshmana and his attendant (Guha), joyfully bowing his head to the sage.

(Before leaving) Rama affectionately asked the sage, ‘Tell me, my lord, what road we should take.’ The sage smiled to himself and said to Rama, ‘All roads are easy to you.’

He then summoned his pupils that they might escort Rama, and at the summons some fifty of them came, glad of heart. They all cherished boundless love for Rama and each of them said he knew the road.

Then the sage sent with the royal party four religious students, who had practised every virtue in the course of many previous existences. Raghunatha made obeisance to the sage, and with his permission went forth rejoicing.