Then Vasishtha the sage narrated various legends befitting the occasion and dispersed the gloom that hung over them all by the light of his own spiritual wisdom.

The sage caused a boat to be filled with oil and had the king’s body placed in it (to guard against decomposition); he then summoned messengers and spoke to them thus, ‘Run with all speed and go to Bharata, but break not the news about the king’s death to anyone anywhere.

When you reach Bharata, tell him only this much: hearing the sage’s bidding, the messengers rushed along with a speed that would put the noblest steeds to shame.

Ever since these troubles had begun at Ayodhya, Bharata was visited by evil omens; he had been dreaming fearful dreams at night and on waking had been a prey to all sorts of evil speculations.

Every day he would feast Brahmans and bestow gifts on them. With elaborate lustral rites he would sprinkle water over an image of Shiva and invoking the great Lord in his heart, would implore him for the welfare of his parents, his family and his brothers.

Such were Bharata’s forebodings when the heralds arrived. As soon as he heard the guru’s commands he set out with an invocation to Ganesha.

Urging the horses to run with the speed of the wind, he went on his journey, crossing difficult streams and hills and impenetrable forests. So great was the anxiety in his heart that nothing would please him; he was only thinking, ‘Would that I could fly home!’