Rama, with deep affection, turned to Lakshmana and spoke with warmth and sincerity: “O Lakshmana, all that I desire—righteousness, wealth, pleasure, and even the earth itself—is for your sake. I promise you this. For the happiness and unity of our brothers, I long for the kingdom, and I swear to you by truth. This earth, gentle one, surrounded by the ocean, is not difficult for me to obtain; but I would never seek even the lordship of the gods through unrighteousness, O Lakshmana. If any happiness should come to me without Bharata, you, or even Shatrughna, O giver of honor, let that happiness be consumed by fire and reduced to ashes. I believe Bharata, who cherishes his brothers, has come to Ayodhya, remembering the duty of our family—a duty dearer to me than my own life. Having heard of my exile, that I now wear matted hair and bark garments, together with Janaki and you, O best of men, Bharata’s heart must be overwhelmed by affection, his senses disturbed by grief. Surely, he has come here to see me; it cannot be otherwise. After speaking harsh words in anger to our mother Kaikeyi, the illustrious Bharata has come, having appeased our father, to return the kingdom to me. Now is the time Bharata wishes to see us; he would never do anything to displease us, not even in thought. When has Bharata ever wronged you in the past, or what kind of fear is it today that makes you suspect Bharata’s intentions? Bharata should not be spoken to harshly or with unpleasant words by you; if anything disagreeable must be said, let it be said by me. How could sons ever harm their father in any calamity, or a brother harm his brother, O Saumitri, who is as dear as one’s own life? If your words stem from concern over the kingdom, then upon seeing Bharata, I will tell him, ‘Let the kingdom be given to him.’ Even if I say this truthfully to Bharata, O Lakshmana, ‘Let the kingdom be given to him,’ he will surely reply, ‘So be it.’ Hearing these words from his righteous brother, intent on his welfare, Lakshmana, out of shame, seemed to shrink into himself. Abashed, Lakshmana replied, ‘I think it is our father, Dasharatha himself, who has come to see you.’ Seeing Lakshmana’s embarrassment, Rama responded, ‘I believe this mighty-armed one has come here to see us. Or perhaps, thinking that we, accustomed to comfort, are not suited for the forest, he will certainly take us back home. Or perhaps my illustrious father, Raghava, will take Vaidehi, who is accustomed to utmost comfort, from the forest and return.’ Looking out, Rama observed, ‘Those two splendid, well-bred, and delightful horses are visible, O hero—swift as the wind and the best of fast steeds. That great-bodied elephant at the head of the army is Shatrunjaya by name, aged, belonging to my wise father. Yet, I do not see that white parasol, honored by the world, my father’s divine one, O mighty-armed; this causes me doubt here.’ The first half should be joined with the latter half. Then Lakshmana, victorious in battle, descended from the hall and stood beside Rama with joined palms. By Bharata’s command, so that there would be no confusion, the army set up camp all around that mountain. The army of the Ikshvakus, filled with elephants, horses, and chariots, occupied one and a half yojanas along the side of the mountain. Led by wise Bharata, setting aside pride and upholding righteousness, the army shone on Chitrakuta for the sake of pleasing the descendant of Raghu. Thus ends the ninety-seventh sarga of the Ayodhya Kanda in the glorious Ramayana, the first poem, composed by the sage Valmiki. Having stationed the army, the mighty Bharata, best among those who walk on foot, set out on foot to approach Kakutstha, following the path of his elders. When the army was settled in its proper place, Bharata spoke to his brother Shatrughna: ‘Dear one, you should quickly search this forest in all directions with these men and hunters. Let Guha, armed with bow, arrows, and sword, search for Kakutstha here, accompanied by his thousand kinsmen. I myself will traverse the entire forest on foot, accompanied by ministers, citizens, elders, and twice-born men. Until I see Rama, or the mighty Lakshmana, or the greatly fortunate Vaidehi, I will have no peace. Until I see my brother’s face, radiant as the moon and with eyes like lotus petals, I will have no peace. Until I place my brother’s feet, marked with royal signs, upon my head, I will have no peace. Until he, worthy of the kingdom, stands in the royal office of his fathers and is anointed with consecration water, I will have no peace. Indeed, Saumitri is truly blessed, who beholds the radiant, lotus-eyed face of Rama, pure as the moon. The greatly fortunate Vaidehi, daughter of Janaka, is accomplished, who follows her husband across the earth bounded by the ocean. Blessed is this Chitrakuta, the mountain like the king of mountains, where Kakutstha dwells like Kubera in Nandana.