Shatrughna, look at the terrible harm Kaikeyi has brought upon the people: forsaken by our father, I am left in sorrow, for King Dasharatha has departed from this world. The royal fortune that once protected that noble, righteous king—rooted in dharma—now drifts aimlessly, like a boat on the water without a rudder. Even Rama, our mighty protector, has been sent away to the forest by my mother, who has turned her back on righteousness. As Bharata poured out his grief in this way, his voice trembling with distress, the women present could not contain their sorrow and wept aloud. In the midst of this lamentation, the illustrious sage Vasishta, knower of royal duties, entered the great assembly hall of the Ikshvaku dynasty. The hall was splendid, its polished clay walls shining, adorned with precious gems and jewels, and filled with loyal attendants; it resembled the celestial Sudharma hall. Vasishta, learned in all the Vedas, took his seat upon a golden throne draped with the finest cloth. He then instructed the messengers, “Go quickly and without delay. Summon here the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, warriors, ministers, and leaders of the people, for there is urgent business to attend.” He also ordered, “Bring Shatrughna, loyal to the king, the illustrious Bharata, Yudhajit, Sumantra, and all the devoted ones present in the city.” Soon, a great clamor arose as people arrived in chariots, on horseback, and atop elephants. When Bharata entered, the people welcomed him with the same reverence and joy as the gods would welcome Indra, just as they had once honored Dasharatha. The assembly, graced by Dasharatha’s son, shone like a tranquil lake filled with mighty aquatic creatures, its waters still and its shores gleaming with gems, shells, and pebbles—just as it had once shone with Dasharatha himself. Now, in the next sarga of the Ayodhya Kanda, Bharata, wise and perceptive, gazed at the assembly hall filled with noble elders. The scene was like a dark night illuminated by the full moon. As the elders entered and took their seats in proper order, the hall shone even more, like a moonlit night after the clouds have cleared away. The gathering, filled with learned men, radiated splendor like a clear, full-moon night. When all the royal counselors—those who understood righteousness—had assembled, the chief priest, Vasishta, gently addressed Bharata: “Dear child, King Dasharatha has gone to heaven, having upheld righteousness, after giving you the prosperous earth, rich in wealth and grain. Rama, steadfast in truth and resolve, remembering the duty of the virtuous, did not abandon his father’s command, just as the moon does not forsake its light when it has risen. The kingdom, now free of thorns, has been given to you by your father and brother; enjoy it with your joyful ministers and quickly perform the consecration. Let people from the north, west, the pure southerners, and those at the farthest ocean-bound frontiers bring you treasures and jewels.” Hearing these words, Bharata, overwhelmed by grief and devoted to righteousness, turned his thoughts to Rama, longing for what is right. With a voice choked by tears, soft as the cry of a young swan, he lamented in the midst of the assembly and reproached the chief priest: “Who would take the kingdom from one such as Rama—devoted to discipline, learned, wise, and steadfast in righteousness—someone like me? How could one born of Dasharatha become a usurper of the kingdom? Both the kingdom and I belong to Rama; declare here what is right. “Rama, eldest and best, righteous in soul, equal to Dilipa and Nahusha, deserves the kingdom just as Dasharatha did. If I were to commit such a sinful act, unworthy of the noble and leading to no heaven, I would become a disgrace to the Ikshvaku line in the world. I do not approve of the wrong done by my mother; here I stand, with joined palms, to bow to Rama, though he dwells in the remote forest. I will follow only Rama, who is king and the best among men; Raghava deserves the kingdom of all three worlds.” Hearing these words filled with righteousness, all the members of the assembly shed tears of joy, their hearts yearning for Rama. Bharata continued, “But if I am unable to bring back my noble brother from the forest, I will remain there in the forest, just as Lakshmana does. I will use every means to bring him back by force, in the presence of elders, the virtuous, and those devoted to good conduct. All the carpenters, road-clearers, and guards have already been sent ahead by me; the journey pleases me.” Having spoken thus, the righteous Bharata, devoted to his brother, turned to Sumantra, the wise counselor, who stood nearby and said, “Rise quickly and go, Sumantra, at my command; immediately order the march and assemble the army.” Thus addressed by the great-souled Bharata, Sumantra, delighted, issued all the necessary orders exactly as instructed and desired. When the command for the march to bring back Raghava was heard, the delighted citizens, army commanders, and troops rejoiced. In every house, the wives of the warriors joyfully urged their husbands to prepare for the journey. With swift horses, ox-carts, and fast-moving chariots, the army commanders and warriors mobilized the entire force. Seeing the army ready in the presence of his elders, Bharata turned to Sumantra at his side and said, “Hasten my chariot.