As the eighty-second sarga of the Ayodhya Kanda begins, Bharata, renowned for his wisdom and discernment, enters the assembly hall. The hall is filled with noble elders, their presence illuminating the space like a night made radiant by the full moon. As the elders take their seats in proper order, the atmosphere becomes serene and majestic, reminiscent of a moonlit night after the clouds have cleared. The assembly, brimming with learned men, glows with dignity and wisdom. When all the royal counselors—those deeply versed in righteousness—have gathered, the chief priest, with gentle words, addresses Bharata. He tells him, “Dear child, King Dasharatha has departed for heaven, upholding righteousness to the very end. He has entrusted you with 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 never forsakes its light when it rises. The kingdom, now free of thorns, was given to you by your father and brother; enjoy it with joyful ministers and quickly perform the consecration. Let those from the north, west, pure southerners, and those from the farthest ocean-bound frontiers bring you treasures and jewels.” Hearing these words, Bharata is overwhelmed by grief. His mind, firmly set on righteousness, turns to Rama, longing to do what is right. With a voice choked by tears, soft as the call of a young swan, he laments before the assembly and reproaches 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.” Hearing Bharata’s words, filled with righteousness, all the members of the assembly shed tears of joy, their hearts set on Rama. Bharata continues, “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, Bharata, righteous and devoted to his brother, turns to Sumantra, the wise counselor standing nearby. He commands, “Rise quickly and go, Sumantra, at my command; immediately order the march and assemble the army.” Sumantra, delighted by Bharata’s instructions, gives all the orders exactly as desired. The command for the march to bring back Rāghava spreads, and the citizens, army commanders, and troops rejoice. In every house, the wives of warriors joyfully urge their husbands to prepare for the journey. With swift horses, ox-carts, and fast-moving chariots, the army commanders and warriors mobilize the entire force. Seeing the army ready in the presence of his elders, Bharata says to Sumantra, “Hasten my chariot.” Sumantra, joyful, brings forth the chariot yoked with excellent horses and sets out. Bharata, wishing to appease his illustrious elder gone to the great forest, speaks 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.” Sumantra, fully satisfied by Bharata’s proper command, orders all the chief citizens, leaders of the army, and his friends. In every household, the kṣatriyas, vaiśyas, śūdras, and brāhmaṇas prepare camels, chariots, mules, elephants, and horses, all bred in noble families. As the eighty-third sarga begins, Bharata rises early and mounts his excellent chariot, setting out swiftly, his heart longing to see Rama. All his ministers and priests go before him, riding chariots yoked with horses that shine like the chariot of the sun. Nine thousand well-prepared elephants, as prescribed, follow Bharata, the delight of the Ikṣvāku line, as he departs. Sixty thousand chariots, with archers bearing various weapons, follow him. A hundred thousand horses, mounted and ready, accompany the illustrious prince. Kaikeyī, Sumitrā, and the illustrious Kausalyā, delighted at the prospect of bringing Rama back, also join the procession, traveling in shining vehicles. Thus, with great purpose and devotion, Bharata leads the vast assembly toward the forest, determined to bring Rama home.