All those assembled—kinsmen, warriors, friends, and companions—looked to Bharata alone, as farmers look to the raincloud for life-giving water. Vasiṣṭha and the elders urged him, “O wise one, establish yourself in this kingdom and assume its burdens. You, O Kakutstha, are fully capable of protecting the people.” Moved by their words, Bharata approached Rama and, with deep humility, fell at his brother’s feet, earnestly beseeching him. Rama, ever gentle, lifted Bharata and placed him on his lap, his eyes like lotus petals, his voice sweet as a swan’s song. “Dear brother,” Rama said, “your resolve springs from humility and strength. You are indeed able to protect even the whole earth. With wise counselors, friends, and ministers, consider all matters carefully; with their guidance, you can accomplish the greatest tasks.” Then, Rama’s voice grew resolute: “Fortune may leave the moon, the Himalaya may abandon its snows, or the ocean may overstep its shore, but I will not break my father’s promise. Whether through desire or greed, what was done was done by our mother. Do not let it trouble your heart; behave toward her as a son should toward his mother.” As Rama spoke thus, Bharata, gazing upon the radiant son of Kausalya—whose splendor was like the sun, yet whose countenance was gentle as the new moon—addressed him with reverence: “O noble one, ascend with your feet these sandals adorned with gold; for with these, the welfare of all the people will be assured.” Rama, the tiger among men, stood upon the sandals as requested, then descended and entrusted them to Bharata, who shone with great soul and virtue. Bharata bowed to the sandals and declared, “For fourteen years, I will wear matted hair and bark garments. O descendant of Raghu, I will dwell outside the city, living on fruits and roots, awaiting your return, O hero. I entrust 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, moved by his brother’s devotion, embraced him warmly, and also embraced Shatrughna. He spoke again to Bharata: “Protect your mother Kaikeyi; do not be angry with her. You are bound by an oath, both from me and from Sita, O best of the Raghu lineage.” With tears filling his eyes, Rama released his brother from his embrace. Bharata, steadfast and righteous, worshipped the sandals, circumambulated Rama, and placed the sandals upon his head. Then, in due order, he greeted the people, the elders, the ministers, and his brothers, and dismissed them, standing firm and unshakable like the mighty Himalaya. The mothers, choked with tears and sorrow, could not speak to him, but Bharata, after saluting them all respectfully, entered his own hut, weeping. Thus concluded the one hundred and twelfth sarga of the glorious Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa in the ancient, holy Rāmāyaṇa composed by Vālmīki. With the sandals on his head, Bharata then ascended his chariot, his heart lightened somewhat, accompanied by Shatrughna. The revered sages—Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and Jābāli—along with honored ministers, led the way. Their procession moved eastward toward the beautiful Mandākinī river, encircling the great mountain of Chitrakūṭa. Along the way, Bharata and his army beheld thousands of delightful minerals and wondrous sights. Not far from Chitrakūṭa, Bharata saw the hermitage of the sage Bharadvāja. On arriving, the wise Bharata descended from his chariot and bowed at the great sage’s feet. Bharadvāja, delighted, greeted him: “O dear one, has your task been fulfilled? Have you met with Rama?” Bharata, devoted to his brother, replied humbly: “Though urged by his teacher and by me, steadfast and greatly pleased, Rāghava spoke to Vasiṣṭha: ‘I will uphold my father’s promise exactly as it was made, for fourteen years, as my father vowed.’ Hearing this, the wise Vasiṣṭha said, ‘Give these adorned golden sandals with joy, O wise one, for they will safeguard Ayodhya’s welfare under your care.’ Thus addressed, Rama, facing east, mounted the sandals and entrusted them to me for the kingdom’s rule. Now, permitted and withdrawn by the great-souled Rama, I return to Ayodhya, bearing these auspicious sandals.” Hearing these noble words, the sage Bharadvāja replied with even greater affection: “This is not surprising, O tiger among men, best among those of noble conduct. As water flows naturally into a hollow, so does virtue reside in you. Your father Daśaratha, mighty-armed, is like nectar, for you are such a son—knower of dharma and devoted to righteousness.” Then Bharata, with joined palms, took leave of the sage, touching his feet. After circumambulating Bharadvāja, the illustrious Bharata set out for Ayodhya with his ministers, his heart filled with duty and devotion.