Guarded by Lakṣmaṇa and Rāma, the glorious army—its people filled with joy—shone with radiant splendor, like the night itself illuminated by the cool rays of the moon. As the darkness passed, and dawn arrived, Vibhīṣaṇa, with palms joined in respect, approached Rāma, the destroyer of enemies, who had awakened happily. First, Vibhīṣaṇa offered him victory and then spoke with devotion. He announced that baths had been prepared, along with fragrant unguents, fresh garments, ornaments, sandalwood paste, and various divine garlands. Women skilled in adornment, their eyes like lotuses, stood ready to bathe Rāma properly. Hearing this, Rāma, the scion of the Kakutstha line, replied gently to Vibhīṣaṇa, “Invite Sugrīva and the foremost of the monkeys to bathe as well.” Yet, his thoughts turned to his beloved brother. “My righteous and tender-hearted brother Bharata, accustomed to comfort, is suffering on my account; mighty-armed and devoted to truth, he endures hardship for me. Without Bharata, the son of Kaikeyī, who upholds righteousness, I find no joy in bathing, nor in fine garments or ornaments. Let us hasten our return to Ayodhyā, for the road is long and difficult for travelers.” Vibhīṣaṇa bowed and replied, “O prince, I will bring you to that city within a single day. Here stands the auspicious aerial chariot called Puṣpaka, shining like the sun. My brother Rāvaṇa, powerful as he was, seized it from Kubera in battle. This excellent, wish-fulfilling, divine chariot was preserved for your sake, O one of incomparable valor. It stands here, resembling a cloud; by this vehicle you shall journey to Ayodhyā, free from all distress.” Yet Vibhīṣaṇa’s heart was full of affection. “If I am worthy of your favor, if you remember my virtues, O wise one, then remain here for a while, if you have any friendship for me. Honored by your brother Lakṣmaṇa and your wife Sītā, with every desire fulfilled, then, O Rāma, you may depart. With my army and friends, accept for now the hospitality I have lovingly prepared. Out of affection, respect, and friendship, O Rāghava, I entreat you; I am your servant, not one who commands you.” Rāma replied in the hearing of all the rākṣasas and monkeys, “You have honored me, hero, with supreme assistance, with all your efforts and highest friendship. O lord of the rākṣasas, I would certainly not fail to do your bidding; but my heart longs to see my brother Bharata—he who came to Citrakūṭa to persuade me to return, whose request, though he bowed his head and pleaded, I did not fulfill. Kausalyā, Sumitrā, the illustrious Kaikeyī, Guha my friend, and the citizens together with all the people of the land await me. Grant me leave, gentle Vibhīṣaṇa; I have been honored. Let there be no resentment, my friend, and I also seek your permission. Present my aerial chariot quickly, O lord of the rākṣasas; my task is accomplished, and it would not be proper for me to remain.” Hearing these words, Vibhīṣaṇa, king of the rākṣasas, swiftly summoned the Puṣpaka chariot, shining like the sun. The chariot appeared, adorned with golden ornaments and a platform of cat’s-eye gems, surrounded by silver-bright turrets on all sides. White banners and standards fluttered; golden mansions adorned with lotus motifs gleamed. Networks of tinkling bells draped the chariot, with windows of pearls and gems, and rows of bells encircled it, sweetly resounding. Shaped like the peak of Mount Meru and crafted by Viśvakarman, it was adorned with great mansions shining with pearls and silver. Its floors were inlaid with crystal designs, its seats set with cat’s-eye gems, furnished with costly coverings, and filled with great treasures. That invincible, swift-moving chariot now stood ready, and Vibhīṣaṇa announced its presence to Rāma. Rāma, noble in spirit, together with Saumitri (Lakṣmaṇa), beheld the wondrous Puṣpaka chariot, able to travel wherever one wished, resembling a mountain, and was filled with awe. As the Puṣpaka, adorned with flowers, stood ready, Vibhīṣaṇa approached Rāma with joined palms, humble and eager, and asked, “What shall I do?” Rāma, after reflecting and with Lakṣmaṇa listening, spoke with affection, “Let all the forest-dwellers who have acted with effort be honored with various jewels and riches, O Vibhīṣaṇa. By you and these allies, O lord of the rākṣasas, Laṅkā was conquered by those joyful ones, who, abandoning fear for their lives, did not turn back in battle. These forest-dwellers have accomplished their tasks; reward their deeds with gifts of wealth and jewels, so their actions bear fruit. When honored in this way and delighted by you, these monkey leaders will be content and grateful.” Thus, with gratitude and affection, Rāma prepared to return to Ayodhyā, his heart set on reunion with his beloved brother and family, honoring his friends and allies who had stood by him in the great struggle.