Bharata, with deep concern and humility, pleaded with Rāma, urging him to return to Ayodhyā and assume the throne. He implored Rāma not to become the agent of their father's wrongdoing, reminding him that the wise never approve of one who carries out a wrongful act, even if it is at the behest of a parent. Bharata entreated Rāma to protect Kaikeyī, himself, their father, their friends and relatives, and all the people of the city and countryside, asking that Rāma safeguard them all. He questioned the appropriateness of Rāma's exile, wondering what connection there could be between the forest and the warrior class, or between matted locks and the duties of a ruler. Bharata insisted that such a disrupted act should not be performed, for the first and foremost duty of a kshatriya is consecration, by which the protection of the people is accomplished. He asked who, abandoning what is certain and present, would pursue a doubtful and uncertain future dharma, being a kshatriya or his kin. If Rāma wished to practice a dharma that is difficult and full of hardship, Bharata urged him to uphold dharma by protecting the four varnas and accepting that hardship. He reminded Rāma that householdership, among the four stages of life, is declared by those who know dharma to be the highest, and wondered how Rāma could rightly abandon it. Bharata confessed his own inferiority, saying that by learning, position, and birth he was Rāma's junior, and questioned how he could govern the land while Rāma remained. He described himself as a child, lacking intellect and qualities, and unable to maintain the kingdom without Rāma. Bharata begged Rāma to rule their ancestral kingdom, undisturbed and free from thorns, in accordance with his own dharma, together with their kinsmen. He urged that all the ministers, along with the priests and Vasiṣṭha, skilled in mantras, should anoint Rāma as king right there. Bharata wished that, once consecrated, Rāma would govern Ayodhyā, conquering the worlds with his might as Indra does with the Maruts. He spoke of repaying the three debts, burning away the wicked, and gratifying friends, and said that Rāma alone should rule over him. Bharata prayed that Rāma's true friends would rejoice at his consecration, and that ill-wishers, filled with fear, would flee in all directions. He asked Rāma to wipe away the reproach upon his mother and himself, and to protect their father from sin. With his head bowed, Bharata begged Rāma to show compassion to him and their relatives, as the great Lord does to all beings. Yet, if Rāma still chose to go to the forest, Bharata declared that he too would go with him. Despite Bharata's tormented pleas, Rāma remained steadfast, not resolving to return, firm in his father's command. The people, witnessing Rāma's wondrous steadfastness, felt sorrow that he would not return to Ayodhyā, but also joy at his unwavering resolve. Then the priests, beloved by the city elders, and the mothers, their eyes filled with tears, praised Bharata as he spoke and together entreated Rāma. Thus ended the one hundred and sixth sarga in the glorious Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa of the ancient and revered Rāmāyaṇa composed by Vālmīki. Once again, as Bharata spoke, Rāma, the illustrious elder brother of Lakṣmaṇa, honored among his kin, replied. He acknowledged that Bharata's words were fitting, recognizing him as the son of Daśaratha and noble Kaikeyī. Rāma recounted how, long ago, their father, upon marrying Kaikeyī, heard from her father of the unparalleled royal dowry. In the battle between gods and demons, Kaikeyī's father, the king, delighted, granted her a boon. Having received that promise, Kaikeyī asked Daśaratha for two boons: Bharata's kingship and Rāma's exile. The king granted her those two boons as she desired. By their father's command, Rāma too was bound to dwell in the forest for fourteen years, as a giver of boons. Thus, Rāma explained, he had come to the lonely forest, accompanied by Lakṣmaṇa and Sītā, steadfast in truth and in his father's word. He urged Bharata to swiftly fulfill their truthful father's command by accepting the consecration. Rāma asked Bharata to free their father from his debts on Rāma's account, and to honor their father and mother. Rāma recalled the celebrated hymn sung by Gaya for his father at Gaya, noting that a son saves his father from the hell called Put, and is thus called 'putra' because he protects or leads his father. He emphasized that many sons should be begotten, virtuous and learned, for among them, perhaps one will go to Gaya. Thus, all royal sages have believed, Rāma said, and so he urged Bharata to save their father from hell. He asked Bharata to return to Ayodhya, win the favor of the people, together with Shatrughna and all the twice-born. Rāma declared he would enter the Dandaka forest without delay, accompanied by Vaidehi and Lakṣmaṇa. He encouraged Bharata to become king over men, while Rāma himself would be king of the forest-dwellers and wild beasts. Rāma wished Bharata joy as he returned to the great city, and promised that he too would enter Dandaka rejoicing. He prayed that the rays of the sun would make Bharata's head cool with shade during the rainy season, while Rāma would happily rest in the deep shade of the forest trees. Rāma reminded Bharata that Shatrughna, skilled and capable, would be his companion, while Saumitri (Lakṣmaṇa) was Rāma's chief friend. He assured Bharata that the four excellent sons would follow the path of truth, and urged him not to grieve. Thus, the exchange between Bharata and Rāma unfolded, filled with love, duty, and unwavering resolve.