Both were victorious in battle, modest and accomplished and so handsome that they seemed the very image of Hari (Rama). Each of Rama’s brothers also had two sons, pre-eminent in comeliness of form, in merit and in virtue.

The Supreme Spirit who is beyond all knowledge, speech and sense-perception, the unborn, transcending illusion, the workings of mind and the elements of nature, even he it was – the sum of True Being, Thought and Bliss – who thus exhibited and exalted the behaviour of a mortal man.

Early in the morning Rama would bathe in the Sarayu and take his seat in his court together with the Brahmans and holy men. Vasishtha would expound the Vedas and Puranas, while Rama listened to the exposition, though he knew it all.

He took his meals with his younger brothers, the royal matrons watching them with great delight. The two brothers, Bharata and Shatrughna, would accompany the Son of the Wind to some grove,

Where they would sit and ask Hanuman to tell them the story of Rama’s divine perfections, and Hanuman would dive into the ocean of his virtues with profoundest wisdom and then recount them. The two brothers derived much joy from the discourse on his immaculate virtues and with much entreaty had it repeated over and over again.

In every house the Puranas were read, and the various sacred stories of Rama’s exploits. Men and women alike joined in hymning Rama’s praises and noticed not the passing of night and day.

Not a thousand Sheshas could describe all the happiness and prosperity of the people of Ayodhya where Rama reigned as king.