At Bharata’s command, the people of Ayodhyā were stirred to action, eager to behold the radiant face of Rāma, whose countenance shone like the moon. Śatrughna, ever ready and resolute, swiftly took charge. He dispatched thousands of workers in organized groups, instructing them to level every uneven or low place along the route, ensuring the path was smooth and welcoming. He ordered that all obstacles be cleared from Nandigrāma onward, and that the earth itself be sprinkled with cool, icy water to soothe and refresh. Others scattered parched grain and flowers everywhere, while the main streets of the great city were adorned with raised banners, fluttering in anticipation. Every house was beautifully decorated, facing the rising sun, with garlands, strings of pearls, fragrant blossoms, and golden ornaments of five colors, creating a dazzling display. Hundreds of men set about widening the royal road, making it spacious for the great procession. Upon hearing Śatrughna’s command, the workers rejoiced and carried out their tasks with enthusiasm. At this time, noble Dhṛṣṭi, Jayanta, Vijaya, Siddhārtha, Arthasādhaka, Ashoka, Mantrapāla, and Sumantra set out, leading the way. They were accompanied by thousands of elephants, intoxicated and adorned with banners and splendid ornaments, some girded with gold, along with female elephants and tuskers, all proceeding in grandeur. Great charioteers departed, mounted on horses and chariots, bearing spears, javelins, nooses, and banners, their standards flying high. The procession included thousands of the foremost horses, with even more excellent steeds among them, and was surrounded by thousands of foot soldiers, all heroes in their own right. Then, all the wives of King Daśaratha mounted their vehicles, placing Kausalya at the forefront, and Sumitra too set out. Together with Kaikeyī, they reached Nandigrāma, united in anticipation. Bharata, righteous-souled, was surrounded by leading Brahmins, heads of guilds with their followers, and ministers bearing garlands and sweets. Acclaimed by the sounds of conches and drums, and praised by bards, Bharata, the knower of righteousness, bowed his head in humility and took hold of the noble feet in reverence. He took up a white parasol, adorned with white garlands and white yak-tail fans, fit for a king and decorated with gold. Emaciated from fasting, dejected and clad in bark and black antelope skin, Bharata was nevertheless filled with joy upon hearing news of his brother’s imminent arrival. When the great-souled Bharata went forth to meet Rāma, accompanied by his ministers, the earth resounded with the hoofbeats of horses and the rumble of chariot wheels. The sound of conches and drums made the earth seem to tremble, mingling with the trumpeting of elephants and the blaring of instruments. That entire city, filled with anticipation, reached Nandigrāma. Seeing this, Bharata spoke to Hanuman, son of the wind, “Surely, O descendant of Kapi, you are not indulging in fickleness of mind, for I do not see Kakutstha, the noble Rāma, the subduer of foes. Nor do I see the monkeys of changing forms.” When these words were spoken, Hanuman replied: Hanuman, making his request known to Bharata of true valor, said, “Having reached trees that always bear fruit, blossoming and exuding honey—by the grace of Bharadvāja and the boon granted by Indra, O scorcher of foes—the hospitality for Rāma’s entire army was performed, endowed with all virtues. A mighty, joyful sound is heard from the delighted forest dwellers. I think that army of monkeys is crossing the river Gomati; see the cloud of dust rising toward the grove of śāla trees. I think the monkeys are shaking the lovely śāla forest; there, from afar, that aerial chariot, shining like the moon, is seen. That divine aerial chariot, Puṣpaka, created by Brahmā’s mind, was obtained by the great-souled Rāma after slaying Rāvaṇa along with his kin. That chariot, radiant as the rising sun and swift as thought, became Rāma’s vehicle by the favor of Kubera. Within it, the two heroic Rāghavas—Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa—together with Vaidehī, as well as the mighty Sugrīva and the rakṣasa Vibhīṣaṇa, are present.” Then a sound, born of joy, rose up and touched the heavens, as the people—women, children, youths, and elders—proclaimed, “This is Rāma!” Dismounting from their chariots, elephants, and horses, the people came to the ground and beheld him in the aerial chariot, like the moon shining in the sky. Bharata, with joined palms and filled with joy, faced Rāghava and honored Rāma with the proper offerings of water for washing feet and hands. In the aerial chariot created by Brahmā’s mind, the elder brother of Bharata, broad and long-eyed, shone like a god wielding the thunderbolt. Then Bharata, bowing, saluted his brother seated at the front of the aerial chariot, as one would the sun standing on Mount Meru. With Rāma’s permission, the excellent aerial chariot, yoked with swans and of great speed, descended to the earth. Bharata, true in valor, ascended that aerial chariot; approaching Rāma with delight, he again offered his respects. Rāma, of the Kakutstha line, rising up, after a long time seeing Bharata within sight, joyfully lifted him onto his lap and embraced him. Then, approaching Lakṣmaṇa and Vaidehī, Rāma, the scorcher of foes, delighted, greeted them and spoke the name “Bharata.” The son of Kekayī embraced Sugrīva, then Jāmbavān, Aṅgada, Mainda, Dvivida, Nīla, and Ṛṣabha. He also embraced Suṣeṇa, Nala, Gavākṣa, Gandhamādana, Śarabha, and Panasa, surrounding them all with warmth and gratitude. Thus, the joyous reunion unfolded, with the city, the royal family, and the hosts of allies and friends gathered in reverent celebration of Rāma’s return.