False, cowardly, evil-minded and low-born as I am, utterly outcast by the world and the Vedas, yet I have become the glory of the world from the day Rama made me his own.’

When he saw his devotion and heard his humble submission, Bharata’s younger brother, Shatrughna, embraced him next. Then the Nishada chief introduced himself by name and courteously made obeisance to all the queens.

They gave him their blessing as though he were Lakshmana himself: ‘May you live happy for millions of years!’ The men and women of the city were as glad to see the Nishada chief as though they were seeing Lakshmana.

They said, ‘He has surely reaped the reward of his life, for Rama the blessed has folded him in his arms and embraced him.’ When the Nishada heard them extol his good fortune, he led them with a cheerful heart.

He signalled to his attendants, and they all, understanding their master’s will, dispersed and prepared resting-places in their houses, under the trees, by the ponds and in the gardens and the groves.

When Bharata saw Shringaverapura, he was overcome by emotion in every limb. Leaning on the Nishada chief he presented a goodly sight; it seemed as though Modesty and Love had taken bodily forms.

In this manner Bharata with all his host went and saw the world-purifying stream of the Ganga; he made obeisance to the ford where Rama had bathed and said his prayers, and felt as enraptured as if Rama himself had met him.