As the two noble sons of Kakutstha, Rama and Bharata, stood together, unseen hosts of seers and perfected sages gathered and praised them for their greatness of soul. Their voices, though invisible, filled the air with reverence. “Blessed is the one whose sons are both wise in dharma and mighty in righteousness,” they proclaimed, “hearing their conversation, we all long for such sons ourselves.” The seers, eager for the destruction of the ten-headed Ravana, quickly assembled and addressed Bharata, the tiger among kings. They reminded him of his noble lineage, his wisdom, conduct, and fame, and advised him to accept Rama’s words if he truly honored his father. “Let Rama remain free of any debt to his father,” they said, “for through Kaikeyi’s actions, Dasharatha has attained heaven, his obligations fulfilled.” Having spoken, the Gandharvas, great sages, and royal sages departed to their own abodes. Rama, delighted by their auspicious words, honored the sages with a joyful face, his countenance radiant. Bharata, weakened in body and trembling in voice, joined his hands and spoke once more to Rama, the scion of Raghu. He pleaded, “Considering royal duty and the traditions 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. All our kinsmen, warriors, friends, and companions 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, Bharata fell at his brother’s feet, earnestly beseeching Rama, who spoke kindly to him. Rama, whose eyes were like lotus petals and whose voice was melodious, placed Bharata on his lap and gently said, “This resolve has come to you, your own and full of humility; dear one, you are indeed capable 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, the Himalaya may abandon its snow, or the ocean may 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 Rama spoke thus, Bharata addressed him, the son of Kausalya, whose radiance was like the sun and whose appearance was like the moon at the beginning of the month. “Ascend, O noble one, with your feet, these sandals adorned with gold; for these will ensure the welfare of all the people.” Rama, the tiger among men, ascended and then descended from the sandals, and gave them to Bharata, the great-souled and radiant one. Bharata bowed to the sandals and spoke to Rama: “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.” Rama agreed, embraced Bharata respectfully, and also embraced Shatrughna. He then spoke to Bharata, “Protect your mother Kaikeyi; do not be angry with her. You have been bound by an oath from me and from Sita, O best of the Raghu lineage.” With eyes filled with tears, Rama released his brother. Bharata, powerful and righteous, worshipped the well-adorned sandals, circumambulated Rama, and placed them upon his own head. Then, in due order, after 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 respectfully saluting all his mothers, entered his own hut, weeping. Thus concludes the one hundred and twelfth sarga in the glorious Ayodhya Kanda of the ancient epic, the holy Ramayana composed by Valmiki. Afterward, Bharata, placing the sandals on his head, ascended his chariot, delighted, accompanied by Shatrughna. Vasistha, Vamadeva, Jabali, steadfast in their vows, and all the honored ministers proceeded ahead. They moved eastward, towards the beautiful Mandakini river, circumambulating the great mountain Chitrakuta. As they journeyed, Bharata and his army observed thousands of delightful minerals and various sights along the way. Not far from Chitrakuta, Bharata saw the hermitage where the sage Bharadvaja had established his abode. Arriving at that hermitage, wise Bharata descended from his chariot and bowed at the sage’s feet. Bharadvaja, delighted, spoke to Bharata, “O dear one, has your task been accomplished, and have you met with Rama?” Thus addressed by the wise Bharadvaja, Bharata, ever devoted to his brother, replied, “He, though urged by his teacher and by me, steadfast and greatly pleased, Raghava spoke to Vasistha.