Within the splendid assembly hall of Ayodhya, now graced by Dasharatha's son Bharata, the gathering shone with a serene majesty. It was as if a tranquil lake, once radiant with the presence of Dasharatha himself, was now adorned by its noble creatures—its still waters bordered by gems, shells, and pebbles. As the eighty-second sarga of the Ayodhya Kanda begins, Bharata, wise and discerning, entered the assembly. He beheld the hall, filled with noble elders, glowing like a night illuminated by the full moon. As these revered elders took their seats in proper order, the hall’s radiance grew, resembling a clear night sky after the clouds had passed, the full moon shining unobstructed. The assembly, resplendent with learned and virtuous men, sparkled with the same brilliance. When all the royal counselors—those who understood righteousness—had gathered, the chief priest addressed Bharata with gentle words: “Dear child, King Dasharatha, having upheld righteousness, has gone to heaven after bestowing upon you this prosperous earth, abundant in wealth and grain. Rama, steadfast in truth and resolve, mindful of a virtuous son’s duty, did not abandon his father’s command—just as the moon, once risen, does not forsake its light. The kingdom, now free of thorns, has been given to you by both your father and your brother; enjoy it with your joyful ministers and quickly perform the consecration. Let people from the north, west, the pure southerners, and those from the farthest ocean-bound frontiers bring you treasures and jewels.” Hearing these words, Bharata, whose heart was set on righteousness and whose mind was overcome by grief, thought only of Rama, longing for what was right. With a voice choked by tears, soft as the call of a young swan, he lamented before the assembly and reproached the chief priest: “Who, like me, would accept the kingdom from Rama—one so devoted to discipline, learned, wise, and steadfast in righteousness? How could anyone born of Dasharatha become a usurper of the throne? Both the kingdom and I belong to Rama; it is your duty to declare 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. I do not approve of the wrong my mother has done; here I stand, with joined palms, to bow to Rama, though he dwells in the distant forest. I will follow only Rama, who is king and best among men; Raghava deserves the kingdom of all three worlds.” Hearing these words filled with righteousness, all in the assembly shed tears of joy, their hearts set on Rama. Bharata continued, “If I cannot bring back my noble brother from the forest, I will remain there myself, just as Lakshmana does. I will use every means to bring him back, in the presence of elders, the virtuous, and those devoted to right 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, ever devoted to his brother, turned to Sumantra, the wise counselor standing nearby: “Rise quickly, Sumantra, and at my command order the march. Assemble the army at once.” Thus addressed, Sumantra, delighted by Bharata’s resolve, issued all the commands exactly as instructed and desired. When the order to march for Rāghava’s return was heard, the citizens, army commanders, and troops rejoiced. In every house, the wives of the warriors joyfully urged their husbands to prepare for the journey. Army commanders, with swift horses, ox-carts, and fast-moving chariots, mobilized the entire force. Seeing the army ready before his elders, Bharata said to Sumantra, “Hasten my chariot.” Joyfully, Sumantra brought forth the chariot, yoked with excellent horses, and prepared to set out. Bharata, steadfast in truth and mighty in valor—who spoke well and acted with firm resolve—wished to appease his illustrious elder, Rama, who had gone to the great forest. He said to Sumantra, “Rise quickly, 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.” Satisfied by Bharata’s righteous command, Sumantra summoned all the chief citizens, the leaders of the army, and his friends. In every household, kshatriyas, vaishyas, shudras, and brahmanas yoked camels, chariots, mules, elephants, and horses—all bred in noble families—preparing for the great journey. As the eighty-third sarga begins, Bharata rose early, mounted his excellent chariot, and set out swiftly, his heart longing to see Rama. All his ministers and priests went before him in chariots yoked with fine horses, shining like the chariot of the sun. Nine thousand well-prepared elephants followed Bharata, the delight of the Ikshvaku line. Sixty thousand chariots, bearing archers with various weapons, and one hundred thousand mounted horses—all ready and resplendent—followed the illustrious prince as he departed, eager to bring Rama home.