Bharata, steadfast in his devotion, spoke with resolve to the assembled people: “Rāma is our elder brother and rightful king of the earth. I will dwell in the forest for fourteen years in his place. Let a great army, mighty and fourfold, be made ready; I myself will bring back my elder brother Rāghava from the forest. All the consecration materials, fully prepared, shall be taken before us; I will go to the forest for Rāma’s sake. There, in the wilderness, I will consecrate that tiger among men with all due rites and bring Rāma back, just as the sacred fire is brought from the sacrifice. I will not fulfill the wishes of my mother, whose desires are tainted by selfishness; I will dwell in the harsh forest, and Rāma shall be king. Let the craftsmen build the road, whether level or uneven, and let skilled guards accompany us, adept at traversing difficult paths.” As Bharata spoke thus, his words for Rāma’s sake stirred the hearts of the people, who replied with words of beauty and excellence: “May the goddess of fortune, Lakṣmī, attend you as you speak, wishing to give the earth to your elder brother, the prince.” Hearing Bharata’s noble words, tears of joy fell from the eyes of the virtuous, their faces shining with emotion. The ministers and the assembly, freed from sorrow, joyfully declared, “The devoted people and the group of craftsmen have been instructed by your command regarding the road.” In response to Bharata’s command, those skilled in land and measurement, devoted to their work and brave in their tasks, set out. Foremen, men skilled with machines, carpenters, road-makers, tree-cutters, well-diggers, plasterers, bamboo workers, and surveyors—all advanced ahead. This vast multitude, joyful and eager, moved swiftly, shining like the ocean under the full moon. Taking up their assigned tasks, the road workers advanced with various tools, cutting through creepers, bushes, shrubs, and stones, clearing the path and felling trees as needed. In treeless places, some planted saplings, while others, with axes and sickles, cut down trees here and there. Strong men broke up dense thickets of reeds and cleared difficult terrain. Some filled wells and deep pits with sand, while others leveled low-lying areas. They bound what needed binding, cleared what needed clearing, and broke open places that required it. In a short time, they created many water channels, varied in form and vast like the sea. In dry regions, they dug excellent wells adorned with platforms of different shapes. The path was splendid, with plastered floors, blossoming trees, the calls of intoxicated birds, and adorned with flags. Sprinkled with sandal water and decorated with flowers, the army’s route shone, resembling the path to heaven. The appointed officials, acting on orders, chose delightful places rich with sweet fruits. The settlement desired by noble Bharata was further adorned, making it resemble a precious jewel. Experts, choosing auspicious stars and moments, established the settlement for great-souled Bharata. Surrounded by moats piled high with sand, with posts like Indra’s machinery and splendid main gates, it was beautiful. Rows of palaces, enclosed by mansions and walls adorned with flags, and broad, well-constructed roads filled the settlement. Tall buildings with upper stories seemed to glide in the sky, making the settlements appear like the city of Indra. Reaching the Ganges, with its groves of trees, cool pure water, and teeming with great fish, the royal road shone in succession, delightful and skillfully built, as spotless as the sky adorned with the moon and stars. As night fell, bards and minstrels praised Bharata with words of blessing and songs filled with good omens. The hour-drum, edged with gold, resounded; hundreds of conches were blown, and musical instruments played notes both high and low. Yet the great sound, filling the sky, only deepened Bharata’s sorrow, for grief consumed him. Awakened, Bharata halted the noise and declared, “I am not king,” speaking these words to Shatrughna: “See, Shatrughna, what great harm Kaikeyi has done to the people. Abandoning me to sorrow, King Dasharatha has departed. The royal fortune of that righteous, high-souled king, rooted in dharma, now wanders aimlessly, like a rudderless boat upon the waters.” Thus, the people, craftsmen, and ministers, inspired by Bharata’s devotion and selflessness, worked tirelessly to pave the way for Rāma’s return, while Bharata’s heart remained steadfast in dharma, longing only for the restoration of righteousness and the rightful king.