Having spoken with deep feeling, Bharata fell at his brother Rama’s feet, earnestly imploring him. Rama, ever gentle in speech, lifted Bharata and placed him upon his lap. Rama’s eyes shone like lotus petals, and his voice was as sweet as the song of a swan. He addressed Bharata with warmth: “This resolve you have shown is truly your own, filled with humility. Beloved brother, you are indeed capable of protecting even the earth itself. “Take counsel with your ministers, friends, and wise advisers. Deliberate on all matters and accomplish even the greatest tasks for the welfare of the kingdom. Fortune may abandon the moon, the Himalaya may lose its snow, or the ocean may overstep its shore, but I will never break our father’s promise. “What was done for you by our mother—whether out of desire or greed—do not let it trouble your mind. Behave toward her as a son should, without anger or resentment.” As Rama spoke thus, Bharata, filled with devotion, addressed the radiant son of Kausalya, whose brilliance was like the sun and whose countenance shone like the waxing moon: “O noble one, place your feet upon these golden-adorned sandals. Let these sandals ensure the welfare of all the people in your stead.” Rama, the tiger among men, ascended and then descended from the sandals, and with dignity handed them to Bharata, who was great-souled and radiant. Bowing deeply to the sandals, Bharata spoke with resolve: “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. “I entrust the rule of the kingdom to your sandals, O subduer of foes. When the fourteenth year is complete, if I do not see you, O best of Raghu’s line, I will enter the fire.” Rama agreed to Bharata’s vow and embraced him respectfully, as he also embraced Shatrughna. Then he spoke again to Bharata: “Protect your mother Kaikeyi; do not be angry with her. You are bound by an oath from both me and Sita, O best of the Raghu lineage.” Having spoken thus, with eyes brimming with tears, Rama released his brother. Bharata, powerful and righteous, worshipped the well-adorned sandals, circumambulated Rama, and reverently placed the sandals upon his own head. Then, in due order, he greeted the people, the elders, the ministers, and his brothers, and dismissed them all, steadfast in his duty like the unshakable Himalaya. The mothers, choked with tears, could not speak to him out of sorrow. Yet Bharata, after respectfully saluting all his mothers, entered his own hut, weeping. Thus ended the one hundred and twelfth sarga in the glorious Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa of the ancient and holy Rāmāyaṇa composed by Vālmīki. Then, placing the sandals on his head, Bharata ascended his chariot, his heart both delighted and solemn, accompanied by Shatrughna. Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and Jābāli, steadfast in their vows, along with all the honored ministers, went ahead of him. The procession moved eastward toward the beautiful Mandākinī river, circumambulating the great mountain Chitrakūṭa. As they journeyed, Bharata and his army beheld thousands of delightful minerals and wondrous sights along the way. Not far from Chitrakūṭa, Bharata saw the hermitage where the sage Bharadvāja had established his abode. Upon arrival, wise Bharata descended from his chariot and bowed at the sage’s feet. Delighted, Bharadvāja asked, “O dear one, has your task been accomplished, and have you met with Rama?” Bharata, ever devoted to his brother, replied to the sage: “Though urged by his teacher and by me, Rama remained steadfast and greatly pleased, and 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 highly wise Vasiṣṭha replied with skillful words, ‘Give these adorned golden sandals with joy, O wise one, for they will safeguard Ayodhya’s welfare under your care.’ Thus addressed, Rama, standing facing east, mounted the sandals and entrusted them to me for the rule. “I am now withdrawn and permitted by the great-souled Rama; I return to Ayodhya bearing these auspicious sandals.” Hearing these noble words from the great-hearted Bharata, the sage Bharadvāja spoke even more auspiciously: “This is not surprising, O tiger among men, best of noble conduct; as water naturally flows 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.” With joined palms, Bharata took leave of the great sage, touching his feet. Then, after reverently circling Bharadvāja, the illustrious Bharata departed for Ayodhya with his ministers. Chariots, wagons, horses, and elephants—all the vast army—followed Bharata on his return. On their journey, they beheld the divine Yamunā river, adorned with waves, and once more gazed upon the auspicious Ganges, whose pure waters brought blessings to all.