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Then taking the pair of sandals on his head, Bharata in company with Satrughna well pleased, ascended the car. And Vasishtha, and Vamadeva and Javali steady in his vow, |

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as well as the ministers, honored on account of their counsels, went before. And going round the charming Mandakini, thy went eastwards, circumambulating (at the same time) the mighty hill, Chitrakuta. And beholding various kinds of beautiful minerels by thousands.” Bharata accompanied by his army went by the side (of the hill). Ata short distance from Chitrakuta, Bharata beheld the spot where the ascetic Bharadw&ja had built his habitation. Approaching the asylum, the puissant Bharata descended from the car, and the son of Raghu then paid homage unto the saint’s feet. Thereat Bharadwaja well pleased said, “Hast thou, my child, on meeting with Rama, done what it behoved thee to do?’ Thus addressed by the intelligent Bharadw&ja, Bharata attached to righteousness answered the former, saying, “Solicited by our preceptor as well as by myself, Raghava of steady prowess highly pleased spoke unto Vasishtha, ‘I would faithfully perform my father’s promise for fourteen years; for even this is the promise of my father.’ Thus accosted, the eminently wise Vasishtha skilled in speech replied unto R&aghava in these pregnant words, ‘Do thou well pleased confer (on Bharata) thy sandals decked in gold. Thereby, O exceedingly wise one, thou wilt be able to protect what the people have and secure unto them what they have not.’ Thus addressed by Vasishtha, Raghava facing the east, conferred on me his sandals decked in gold, in order that I might carry on the government of the kingdom. Commanded by the magnanimous R4dma, I retrace my steps. 1 will go to Ayodhy§, taking the sandals along with me.’’ Hearing these auspicious words of the highsouled Bharata, the ascetic Bharadwaja said unto Bharata, “It is no wonder that Rama hath acted nobly by thee, foremost among men and possessed of an (excellent) character and disposition, even as water poured out, floweth downwards. Thy father Da¢aratha hath become freed from his debts, since he hath a son like unto thee, righteous and Jz, =

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attached to virtue’. When the ascetic had said this, Bharata with joined palms paid his respects unto that highly wise one, by taking hold of his feet. And after having again and again gone round Bharadwaja, the graceful Bharata went to Ayodhy4 accompaniad by his counsellors. And returning by means of cars and carts, horses and elephants, that army marching in the wake of Bharata, spread wide. And after having crossed the beautiful river Yamun4 flowing in waves, they again beheld the river Ganga of auspicious waters. And having along with his friend crossed over that river filled with beautiful waters, Bharata together with his army entered the charming city of Sringaya. And from the city of Sringava he went to Ayodhy4 and again beheld it. And seeing Ayodhya bereft of his father.and mother, Bharata burning in grief, said unto the charioteer, “O charioteer, behold that Ayodhy43, which shorn of its splendour and decorations, and plunged in grief, forlorn and silent, doth not appear delightful.”