- thrones, ornaments and costumes, foodgrains, land, money and houses; and the Brahmans were well content on receiving them.

All the ceremonies that Bharata performed for his father were more than a hundred thousand tongues could tell. Then after determining an auspicious day, the great sage (Vasishtha) came and summoned all the ministers and nobles.

They all repaired to the royal council chamber and took their seats. The two brothers, Bharata and Shatrughna, were also sent for. Vasishtha seated Bharata by his side and addressed him in words full of wisdom and piety.

First, the great sage repeated the whole story of Kaikeyi’s monstrous doing and then extolled the king’s loyalty to duty and truth, who by his death had proved his love to the end.

And as the lord of sages spoke of Rama’s virtues and noble nature, tears came to his eyes and a thrill ran through his body. When he praised the affection that Lakshmana and Sita bore (towards Rama), the enlightened sage overwhelmed with grief and love.

'Listen, Bharata,’ said the lord of sages sorrowfully, ‘fate is all-powerful; loss and gain, life and death, fame and infamy lie in the hands of Providence

This being so, who can be blamed and upon whom can one vent one’s meaningless indignation? Ponder this in your heart, my son; king Dasharath is not be pitied.