Jai Sri Ram.
Dharmadikari Bharata.
Bharata worshipped the Paduka going round it and carried them on his head. Seated on an elephant he then took leave of Rama, who bid farewell to all His mothers with tears wetting His eyes.
Boarded on their chariot Bharata and Shatrughna set their journey back to Ayodhya, leaving behind the river Mandakini and Mt. Chitrkuta . Sages Vasishta, Vamadeva and Jabali going ahead of them stopped over Bharadwaja's Ashram for Bharata to meet the sage and update the outcome of his meeting with Rama.
The sage enquired Bharata whether he could meet Rama and accomplish what he wished and the auspicious one he desired?
He replied factually as to how Rama was firm in His resolve and what He obliged. His gold studded sandals were given to him and ascending Her in Throne, Bharata said he will reign Ayodhya as an agent to both of them.
That accomplished Bharata's desire partially. Nevertheless whatever happened by far had its auspiciousness in it's entirety, he immortalizing Dasaratha by his virtue and piety of no equal.
Thereafter all of them crossing the rivers Yamuna and Ganga entered the town of Shringibhera. The city of Ayodhya from there gave a damning, spirit-less look, bereft of Dasaratha and Rama indeed.
It wore a gloomy look similar to that of the moon under the grip of planet Raghu, with mountain springs dried up, the birds scorched and the fish all perished, splendor-less like a fallen city. The fragrance of flowers, the aroma of sandal wood from the sacrificial fire are all missing. The streets are not glittering with youthful activity. The Palace looked like a cave without its lion, as Dasaratha had departed. Distressed Bharata quipped shatrughna will Rama return to Ayodhya to change the situation, like the autumnal rains bring cool air and bloom to the forest vegetation?
Having brought the mothers back to Ayodhya, Bharata expressed his desire to live in Nandigram like an ascetic to overcome the misery of Rama's separation.
The king went to heaven and the elder brother is in the forest. I shall await His return, as He alone is the celebrated Lord of Ayodhya, so saying Bharata along with Shatrughna and the family priests set off towards east where Nandigram is situate. When Bharata left, the army and the people of Ayodhya followed suit.
Bharata bearing the Padukas on his head descended the chariot and installing them on the Throne committed to Rule under Trust reposed in him by Rama and wished that the state canopy be held over the Padukas, accepting them as a true symbol of Rama's feet.
Bharata, though in grief with passion ripe acted cool and wise, subjecting himself to the Padukas, Ruled the state like a Dharmadikari or a Temple-Trustee.
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