As Bharata entered the grand assembly, the people greeted him with reverence and joy, welcoming him as the gods would welcome Indra, just as they had once honored King Dasharatha. The hall, now adorned by Dasharatha’s son, shone with renewed splendor, reminiscent of a tranquil lake filled with mighty aquatic creatures, its waters still and its shores studded with gems and shells—just as it had once gleamed under Dasharatha’s presence. The eighty-second sarga of the Ayodhya Kanda begins, and Bharata, wise and discerning, gazed upon the assembly hall. It was filled with noble elders, radiating a gentle brilliance like a night illuminated by the full moon. As the elders entered and took their seats in proper order, the hall’s beauty grew, resembling a moonlit night after the clouds had cleared. The assembly, rich with learned men, glowed with the serene light of wisdom, its splendor undimmed. Once all the royal counselors, those who knew righteousness, had gathered, the chief priest spoke gently to Bharata. “Dear child,” he said, “King Dasharatha has departed for heaven, having upheld righteousness, after bestowing upon 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 rises. The kingdom, now free of obstacles, was given to you by your father and your brother; enjoy it with joyful ministers and quickly perform the consecration. Let those from the north, west, the pure southerners, and those at the farthest ocean-bound frontiers bring you treasures and jewels.” Hearing these words, Bharata was overwhelmed by grief. His mind, set firmly on righteousness, turned to Rama, longing for what was right. With a voice choked by tears, soft as the call 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, striving 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; you ought to declare what is right here. 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, 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 best among men; Raghava deserves the kingdom of all three worlds.” Upon hearing these words, filled with righteousness, all the members of the assembly shed tears of joy, their hearts set on 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 and road-clearers and guards have already been sent ahead by me; the journey also pleases me.” Having spoken thus, the righteous Bharata, devoted to his brother, addressed Sumantra, the wise counselor who stood nearby: “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, gave all the orders exactly as instructed and as desired. Hearing the command for the march to bring back Raghava, the delighted citizens, the army commanders, and the troops rejoiced. Then, in every house, the wives of the warriors joyfully urged their husbands to prepare for the journey as the march was announced. With swift horses, ox-carts, and fast-moving chariots, the army commanders, along with the warriors, mobilized the entire force. Seeing the army ready in the presence of his elders, Bharata said to Sumantra, “Hasten my chariot.” Receiving Bharata’s command with joy, Sumantra brought forth the chariot, yoked with excellent horses, and set out. Bharata, steadfast in truth and mighty in valor, who spoke well and acted with firm resolve, wishing to appease his illustrious elder gone to the great forest, then spoke again: “Rise quickly, Sumantra, go to the chiefs of the army for its assembly; for I wish to bring back Rama, who dwells in the forest, for the welfare of the world.” Fully satisfied by Bharata’s proper command, Sumantra ordered all the chief citizens, the leaders of the army, and his friends. Then, in every household, the kshatriyas, vaishyas, shudras, and brahmanas yoked camels, chariots, mules, elephants, and horses, all bred in noble families. The eighty-third sarga of the Ayodhya Kanda begins. Rising early and mounting his excellent chariot, Bharata set out swiftly, longing to see Rama. All his ministers and priests went before him, riding chariots yoked with horses, shining like the chariot of the sun. Nine thousand well-prepared elephants, as prescribed, followed Bharata, the delight of the Ikshvaku line, as he departed. Sixty thousand chariots, with archers bearing various weapons, followed Bharata, the illustrious prince, as he went forth, his heart set on restoring righteousness and bringing Rama back to Ayodhya.