Having thus extolled the Lord again and again, Sanaka and his three brothers devoutly bowed their heads and, having won their most cherished boon, departed to Brahma’s realm.

When Sanaka and his brothers had left for Brahma’s realm, the three brothers (Bharata, Lakshmana and Shatrughna) bowed their heads before Rama’s feet; but being too modest themselves to put a question to the Lord, they all looked towards Hanuman.

They wished to hear from the Lord’s own lips a lesson which would eradicate all their misconceptions. The Lord, however, who regulates the internal feelings of all, perceived their thoughts and said, ‘What is it you wish to know, Hanuman?’

Then Hanuman replied with folded hands, ‘Listen, O Lord God, compassionate to the poor; Bharata, Lord, wishes to ask you something, but is too diffident at heart to put the question.’

‘You know my disposition, Hanuman,’ said the Lord; ‘are there any secrets between Bharata and myself?’ On hearing the Lord’s words, Bharata clasped his feet and said, ‘Listen, my Lord, reliever of the suppliants’ agony!

I have no doubts at all, my Lord, nor any dejection or infatuation whatever; and this is all of your grace, O all-merciful and all-blissful Lord.

But if I may be so bold as to make one submission, gracious Lord – for I am your servant and you are the delight of your devotees – the glory of the saints, Raghunatha, has been sung in various ways by the Vedas and the Puranas.