A king of noble virtues and steadfast principles, Bharatha, returned to Ayodhya and sought his mother’s blessings. With reverence, he approached Sage Vasishta and the council of learned scholars, saying, “With your permission, I shall now proceed to Nandigrama. The grief of my brother Rama’s absence weighs heavily upon me and shall remain until his return to reclaim the throne. I will bear this sorrow in solitude.”
News of King Dasaratha’s heavenly departure and Rama’s life of asceticism in the forest had filled Bharatha with unwavering resolve. Declaring, “The true king shall return, and until then, I remain but a caretaker of this sacred duty,” he won the admiration of ministers and sages, who lauded his humility and fraternal devotion. They proclaimed, “Bharatha, your loyalty and reverence for family have set a benchmark for virtue and unity. Your commitment to righteousness opens a new chapter of moral governance. We pledge to assist you in every aspect of your stewardship as ordained by Rama’s holy sandals.”
Renewing his resolve with the assembly’s support, Bharatha instructed Sumantra to ready his chariot. He sought the blessings of his mothers and, accompanied by Shatrughna, ascended the chariot. Ministers, sages, teachers, and scholars followed him in solemn procession. Facing east, Bharatha prayed to the Sun God for grace and protection in this noble endeavor. Though uninvited, the prominent citizens of Ayodhya joined the journey, moved by his devotion.
Upon reaching Nandigrama, Bharatha carried Rama’s sandals—the divine symbol of authority—upon his head and placed them upon the throne, declaring, “These sacred sandals, sanctified by the touch of my brother’s feet, shall govern Ayodhya. I am but a humble steward, executing my duties under Rama’s blessings. Upon his return, he shall wear these sandals, ascend the throne, and bestow his grace upon me to preserve his rule’s sanctity.” Addressing nature and the five elements, he proclaimed, “Bear witness to this pledge! The royal umbrella shades not me, but the divine command of Rama embodied in these sandals. All governance flows through his spirit and ideals. Let there be no deviation from his principles.”
Clad in ascetic garb, with matted locks, Bharatha established his court at Nandigrama. Conducting state affairs in Rama’s name, he communicated with vassal kings and resolved all matters in deference to the sacred sandals. Each day, he worshipped the sandals, holding the royal umbrella himself, embodying the role of a loyal servant. Slowly, under Bharatha’s virtuous administration, Ayodhya regained stability, reflecting the spirit of Rama’s reign.
Meanwhile, at Chitrakuta, Rama observed a change in the demeanor of the sages. Fear and unease seemed to grip them, their conversations hushed and movements wary. Sensing their distress, Rama approached the leader of the hermitage with folded hands and asked, “O revered sage, has any fault of mine or Lakshmana disturbed your peace? Has Sita, in her service, unknowingly breached any tradition? Speak freely, for I wish to atone if we have erred.”
The sage, with calm dignity, replied, “O Rama, the embodiment of dharma, neither you nor Sita has caused any grievance. Sita’s presence is a blessing—her humility shines like the gentle rays of the morning sun. Your arrival, however, has unsettled the demons who plague this forest. Chief among them is Khara, a cousin of Ravana. Ferocious and sinful, he slays hermits, desecrates sacrificial grounds, and strikes terror with his cruel magic. Fearing his wrath, the sages have resolved to leave this place and seek refuge in a forest thirty miles hence, protected by the curse of an ancient rishi.”
The sage continued, “O Rama, though your valor is unmatched, Khara’s dark sorcery poses a grave threat to Sita and Lakshmana. I urge you to exercise caution. The safety of your family is paramount.” Hearing this, Rama bid farewell to the departing hermits and escorted them for a distance, as tradition demanded. Returning to his ashram, he performed his daily rites and pondered his next course of action.
