Rāma, steadfast in dharma, addressed those gathered before him with unyielding resolve. “I do not seek the kingdom from my father, nor do I command my mother,” he declared, “nor will I permit the noble Rāghava—knower of the highest righteousness—to act otherwise.” He continued, “If it is absolutely necessary to fulfill my father’s command, then I myself will dwell in the forest for fourteen years.” Astonished by his brother Bharata’s earnest and truthful words, Rāma turned his gaze upon the citizens and countryfolk assembled there. He spoke with clarity and conviction, “What my living father promised, pledged, and granted cannot be undone—neither by me nor by Bharata. I must not act contrary to dharma, nor do I despise the life of the forest. What Kaikeyī rightly spoke and what my father has done—these were well done.” Rāma affirmed his faith in Bharata, saying, “I know Bharata to be patient and one who honors elders. In this matter, all is well with this great soul, steadfast in truth. When I return from the forest with this righteous brother, together we shall become the foremost lords of the earth. The king, at Kaikeyī’s urging, was bound by my promise; let Bharata free that great king, our father, from falsehood.” Thus ended that sacred chapter in the glorious Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa of the Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. At that moment, the great sages assembled there, marveled at the meeting of the two brothers, whose energy was beyond compare, and felt their hair stand on end. Invisible to mortal eyes, the groups of seers and perfected sages praised the two great-souled sons of Kakutstha. They exclaimed, “Blessed is he whose two sons are both wise in dharma and mighty in righteousness! Hearing their conversation, we all long for such sons.” Eager for the destruction of the ten-headed Rāvaṇa, the seers quickly gathered and addressed Bharata, the tiger among kings: “Born in a noble line, great in wisdom, conduct, and fame, you should accept Rāma’s words if you honor your father. We wish that Rāma may always remain free of debt to his father; and because of Kaikeyī, Daśaratha has attained heaven, being free from all debts.” Having spoken thus, the Gandharvas, great sages, and royal sages all departed to their respective abodes. Rāma, delighted by their auspicious words, honored the sages with a joyful face. Bharata, his limbs weakened and his hands joined, his voice trembling with emotion, once again addressed Rāma: “Considering royal duty and the tradition of our lineage, you ought to fulfill the request of my mother and myself, O Kakutstha. I alone am not able to protect this vast kingdom, nor to please the citizens and countryfolk who are devoted. Our kinsmen, warriors, friends, and companions all look to you alone, as farmers look to the raincloud. O wise one, establish and assume this kingdom; you are capable, O Kakutstha, of protecting the people.” Having spoken thus, Bharata fell at his brother’s feet, earnestly beseeching Rāma, who responded kindly. Placing Bharata on his lap, Rāma—whose eyes were like lotus petals and whose voice was as melodious as a swan’s—spoke gently: “This resolve has arisen in you, humble and your own; you are indeed capable, dear one, of protecting even the earth. With ministers, friends, and wise counselors, deliberate on all matters and accomplish even the greatest tasks. Fortune may depart from the moon, or the Himalaya abandon its snow, or the ocean cross its shore, but I will not break my father’s promise. Whether from desire or greed, this was done for you by mother; do not dwell on it in your mind, but behave as one should toward a mother.” As Rāma spoke, Bharata addressed the radiant son of Kausalya: “Ascend, O noble one, with your feet, these sandals adorned with gold; for these will ensure the welfare of all the people.” Rāma, the tiger among men, stepped onto the sandals and then descended, handing them to Bharata, the great-souled and radiant. Bharata, bowing reverently to the sandals, spoke to Rāma: “For fourteen years, I will wear matted hair and bark garments. O descendant of Raghu, living outside the city, subsisting on fruits and roots, I will await your return, O hero. Entrusting the rule of the kingdom to your sandals, O subduer of foes, when the fourteenth year is complete, O best of Raghu’s line, if I do not see you, I will enter the fire.” Having agreed, Rāma embraced Bharata respectfully and also embraced Shatrughna. Then he spoke to Bharata: “Protect your mother Kaikeyī; do not be angry with her. You have been bound by an oath from me and from Sītā, O best of the Raghu lineage.” Having spoken thus, with eyes filled with tears, he released his brother. Bharata, powerful and righteous, after worshipping the well-adorned sandals, circumambulated Rāghava and placed the sandals upon his own head. Then, in due order, after respectfully greeting the people, the elders, the ministers, and his brothers, he dismissed them, steadfast in his duty like the immovable Himalaya. The mothers, their throats choked with tears, were unable to speak to him out of sorrow; but Bharata, after saluting all his mothers with reverence, entered his own hut, weeping.