As the preparations for Bharata’s journey pressed forward, a great host of skilled men—those versed in surveying and measuring the land, courageous diggers, and engineers devoted to their craft—set out with purpose. Alongside them went foremen, masters of machines, expert carpenters, road-builders, and those adept at felling trees. Well-diggers, plasterers, bamboo workers, and surveyors all joined the vast company, eager and joyful, moving swiftly and shining in their determination, like the ocean swelling under the full moon. Each group took up its assigned task. The road-builders advanced with an array of tools, cutting through tangled creepers, bushes, shrubs, and even stone, clearing the way and felling trees as needed. Where the land was bare, some planted new trees, while others, wielding axes, hatchets, and sickles, cleared away growth where it was too dense. The strong among them broke through thick reed beds and tackled the most difficult terrain, while others filled up wells and deep pits with sand, leveling low-lying ground all around. They bound what needed to be secured, cleared what needed to be open, and broke through obstacles wherever necessary. In a short time, they fashioned many water channels of various shapes, vast as the sea itself. In dry regions, excellent wells were dug and adorned with platforms of different designs. The newly made path was splendid: its floors plastered smooth, lined with blossoming trees, alive with the calls of intoxicated birds, and decorated with flags. Sprinkled with sandalwood water and strewn with flowers, the route of the advancing army glowed, resembling the very path to heaven. Officials, acting on their orders, selected delightful resting places rich with sweet fruits. The settlement that Bharata desired was further adorned with ornaments, making it shine like a precious jewel. Experts, consulting the auspicious stars and choosing the right moments, established the settlement for the noble Bharata. Surrounded by moats heaped with sand, with posts like those in Indra’s heavenly machinery, and splendid main gates, the settlement was beautiful indeed. Rows of palaces rose, enclosed by mansions and walls, all adorned with fluttering flags, and broad, well-constructed roads ran between them. Tall buildings with upper stories seemed to glide in the sky, so that the entire settlement resembled Indra’s own city. At last, they reached the Ganges, its banks lush with groves, its waters cool and pure, teeming with great fish. The royal road, delightful and skillfully built, shone in succession, just as the spotless night sky sparkles with the moon and stars. As night fell, bards and minstrels gathered to praise Bharata, singing words of blessing and auspicious songs. The hour-drum, edged with gold, resounded; hundreds of conches were blown, and instruments played notes both high and low. Yet, the great sound of music, echoing through the night, only deepened Bharata’s sorrow, for his heart was heavy with grief. Awakened by the noise, Bharata halted the celebration and declared, “I am not king.” Turning to Shatrughna, he spoke with pain, “See, Shatrughna, the great harm Kaikeyi has done to our people. Abandoned to sorrow, our father Dasharatha has left us. The royal fortune of that righteous king, rooted in dharma, now drifts aimlessly, like a boat without a rudder. Even Rama, our mighty protector, has been banished to the forest by my mother, who has forsaken righteousness.” As Bharata lamented, his grief was so deep and pitiable that all the women present wept aloud. In the midst of this sorrow, the illustrious Vasishta, knower of royal duty, entered the assembly hall of the Ikshvaku lords. The hall, splendid and made of polished clay, was adorned with gems and jewels, resembling the divine Sudharma, and filled with attendants. Vasishta, master of all the Vedas, seated himself upon a golden throne draped with the finest cloth, and gave instructions to the messengers: “Bring here quickly, without delay, the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, warriors, ministers, and leaders of the people. We have urgent business.” He also ordered them to summon Shatrughna, the loyal Bharata, Yudhajit, Sumantra, and all those faithful people present. At his command, a great commotion arose as people arrived in chariots, on horses, and on elephants. When Bharata entered, the people welcomed him as the gods would welcome Indra, just as they had once received Dasharatha. The assembly, adorned by the presence of Dasharatha’s son, shone like a tranquil lake filled with mighty aquatic creatures, its waters still, its banks studded with gems, shells, and pebbles—just as it had once gleamed with Dasharatha himself.