Bharata, noble in appearance and now reassured, responded to the sage’s invitation with a respectful, “So be it,” and resolved to spend the night in the hermitage. Thus concluded the ninetieth chapter of the Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa in the sacred Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. The sage Bharadvāja, having decided to remain there, welcomed Bharata, son of Kaikeyī, as his honored guest. Bharata, ever courteous, replied, “Surely, revered one, you have already performed all that is proper—washing feet, making offerings, and extending hospitality—as is fitting in the forest.” Bharadvāja smiled warmly and said, “I know you are filled with affection, Bharata; you are pleased by any gesture. Yet, I wish to provide food for your army, for my affection is as it should be, and you are worthy, O lord of men. But why have you left your forces at a distance and come here alone? Why have you not approached with your army, O best of men?” With joined palms, Bharata explained, “I have not come here with my army, revered one, out of fear of disturbing you. O venerable one, it is the duty of the king or prince always to protect ascetics from harm within the realm. My foremost horses, men, and noble elephants follow me, covering the vast earth. They must not harm the trees, water, land, huts, or anything in the hermitages; thus I have come here alone.” Bharadvāja then instructed, “Bring the army here.” Obeying the sage’s command, Bharata arranged for the army’s arrival. The sage entered the fire-hall, drank water, and cleansed himself, preparing for hospitality. He summoned Viśvakarman, the divine architect. “I summon Viśvakarman and also Tvaṣṭṛ; I wish to perform hospitality—let this be arranged for me there,” he declared. He called upon the three guardians of the worlds, the gods led by Śakra, saying, “I wish to perform hospitality—let this be arranged for me there.” With great intent, he summoned all rivers—those flowing eastward and westward, on earth and in the sky—to come forth today. He wished some to flow with mead, others with well-prepared wine, and others with cold water sweet as sugarcane juice. The sage also called upon the divine Gandharvas—Viśvāvasu, Haha, and Hūhū—as well as all the divine Apsarases and Gandharvīs: Ghṛtācī, Viśvācī, Miśrakeśī, Alambusā, Nāgadantā, Hemā, and Himā, born on mountain slopes. He summoned those women who attend Śakra and Brahmā, together with Tumburu and their attendants. He wished for the divine forest from the land of the Kurus, with garments, ornaments, leaves, and the eternal fruits of Kubera, to be present. He prayed that the revered Soma would provide excellent food—various dishes to eat, enjoy, suck, and lick, in abundance. He called for diverse garlands fallen from trees, divine liquors, and various kinds of meat. Thus, endowed with concentration, incomparable brilliance, and mastery of recitation, the sage spoke through his ascetic power. Meditating and facing east with hands joined in reverence, he invoked all these deities, each arriving separately. Then, a gentle wind, removing sweat and touching the Malaya and Dardura mountains, blew softly—pleasant, comfortable, and auspicious. Celestial clouds gathered, and showers of flowers rained down. The sound of divine drums echoed in all directions. The finest breezes swept through as the hosts of apsaras danced, and the gods and gandharvas sang and played their vīṇās, releasing melodious notes. That heavenly sound entered the sky, the earth, and the ears of all living beings, resonating clearly, gently, and with perfect rhythm. When the divine music, delightful to all listeners, faded, Bharata beheld the arrangement for his army crafted by Viśvakarman. The ground became level everywhere for five yojanas, covered with lush green grasses shining like blue beryl. Bilva, kapittha, jackfruit, seed-filled fruits, amalaki, and mango trees laden with fruit appeared. From the northern Kurus, a divine forest of delights arrived, and a celestial river, surrounded by many birds, flowed. Four splendid halls manifested, along with stables for elephants and horses; palaces and mansions clustered together, adorned with beautiful gateways. Among the royal residences stood a gateway, white as a cloud, decorated with divine garlands and suffused with heavenly fragrance. A four-sided hall appeared, filled with beds, seats, and vehicles, equipped with all celestial flavors, divine food and garments, all kinds of dishes, and spotless, clean vessels. All seats were arranged, splendid and covered with excellent bedding. The mighty-armed Bharata, son of Kaikeyī, entered the mansion filled with gems, having been permitted by the great sage. His ministers and priests followed him, rejoicing at the wondrous arrangement. There, Bharata, together with his ministers, approached the divine royal seat, fan, and umbrella, like a king. He honored the seat, bowed to Rāma, took up the yak-tail fan, and sat in the minister’s seat.