When the previous episode had come to its close, the eighty-second sarga of the Uttarakāṇḍa in the illustrious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa ended. Now, the story continues. After hearing Rāma’s flawless words, the doorkeeper summoned the royal princes and informed Rāghava of their arrival. As soon as Rāma saw his beloved brothers, Bharata and Lakṣmaṇa, he embraced them warmly and addressed them with affection. Rāma said, “I have fulfilled, in truth, the highest duty towards the twice-born. Now, O Rāghavas, I wish once more to establish the bridge of righteousness. For me, this bridge of dharma is inexhaustible and imperishable; it is the very foundation of virtue and the destroyer of all sin. With you two, who are as dear to me as my own self, I wish to perform the supreme Rājasūya sacrifice together, for in that act lies eternal righteousness. “In ancient times, after performing the Rājasūya, Mitra—the destroyer of foes—attained the state of Varuṇa through excellent and well-offered sacrifices. Soma too, by performing the Rājasūya with righteousness, gained everlasting fame in all the worlds. So, let us consider today what is best to do; together, let us strive for what is beneficial and appropriate for the future.” Hearing these words from Rāghava, Bharata, skilled in speech and with palms joined in reverence, replied, “O noble one, supreme righteousness dwells in you. In you, mighty-armed and of boundless prowess, the entire earth is established, as is fame. All the kings look upon you, O great-souled one, as the immortals look to Prajāpati, just as we look to the lord of the worlds. Sons look upon you as a father; you are the path for the earth and for all living beings, O Rāghava. “But how, O king, can you, who are such a performer of sacrifice, undertake a rite in which the destruction of royal lineages on earth is evident? All those men on earth who have attained manliness would face destruction there, arising from universal wrath. Therefore, O tiger among men, whose prowess and virtues are incomparable, you should not bring ruin to the earth, for it is under your care.” Rāma listened to Bharata’s words, which were as sweet as nectar, and his heart overflowed with joy. He spoke auspicious words to increase his brother’s happiness, saying, “I am pleased, I am fully satisfied with your words today, O blameless one. This manly speech, imbued with righteousness, you have spoken for the protection of the earth, O tiger among men. Because of your well-spoken advice, O knower of dharma, I shall desist from our intention regarding the great Rājasūya sacrifice. Actions that cause suffering to the world should not be performed by the wise; the auspicious words of the young must be accepted, O elder brother of Lakṣmaṇa. Therefore, I listen to your words, which are good and appropriate, O great-minded one.” Thus ended the eighty-third sarga in the glorious Uttarakāṇḍa of the holy Rāmāyaṇa, composed by the sage Vālmīki. After Rāma and Bharata had spoken thus, Lakṣmaṇa, the great-souled, addressed Rāma with auspicious words. “The Aśvamedha, the great horse sacrifice, is purifying for all sinners; may this purifying and formidable rite please you, O descendant of Raghu. It is heard that, in ancient times, O illustrious one, Indra, covered by the sin of killing a Brahmin, was purified by performing the horse sacrifice. “Long ago, O mighty-armed one, during the assembly of gods and demons, there was a great demon named Vṛtra, renowned throughout the world. He was immense—one hundred yojanas in breadth and three times that in height. Out of affection, he looked upon all three worlds everywhere with love. He was knowledgeable in dharma, grateful, and firmly established in wisdom; he ruled the flourishing earth, which was well-governed by righteousness. “During his reign, the earth yielded all desired things; roots and fruits were abundant and flavorful for the powerful. The uncultivated earth was prosperous under his rule; he enjoyed such a kingdom, flourishing and wondrous to behold. His mind then turned to performing supreme austerity, for austerity is the highest good, while other pleasures bring only delusion. He installed his eldest son as ruler among the people and undertook fierce austerity, which caused distress to all the gods. “While Vṛtra performed his austerities, Indra, greatly troubled, approached Viṣṇu and spoke: ‘While Vṛtra is engaged in austerity, O mighty-armed one, the worlds have fallen under his control; he is powerful and righteous, and I am unable to rule over him. If that lord of the asuras should again undertake austerities, for as long as the worlds endure, they will remain subject to his control. And you, though you overlook that exceedingly generous and mighty one, O lord of the gods, Vṛtra could not survive even a moment if you were angered. ‘Indeed, O Viṣṇu, from the moment you formed an alliance of affection with him, he attained lordship over the worlds. Therefore, with firm resolve, grant your favor to the worlds; by your action, the entire restless universe would become peaceful. All these dwellers of heaven, O Viṣṇu, look to you; assist them in the great task of slaying Vṛtra. For you have always aided these great souls; this is unbearable for others, and you are the refuge for those who have no other recourse.