With Rāma’s exile, Ayodhyā was plunged into silence and sorrow. The city, once vibrant with the sounds of splendid chariots rolling by, the gentle neighing of noble horses, the trumpeting of intoxicated elephants, and the clatter of carriages, now seemed bereft of all its former music and movement. The young women, overwhelmed by grief for Rāma, no longer adorned themselves with fragrant sandalwood, aloe, or fresh garlands. The men, too, ceased to wear their beautiful garlands or venture out for pleasure; festivals were abandoned, and the city’s heart was heavy with longing for Rāma. Bharata, Rāma’s devoted brother, keenly felt the emptiness that had settled over Ayodhyā. He lamented that with Rāma’s departure, the city’s radiance had faded, just as the night loses its glow when only ashes remain. He wondered when his beloved brother would return, bringing joy and festivity to Ayodhyā, like life-giving clouds relieving the heat of summer. The once-crowded main roads, filled with splendidly dressed young men walking with pride, now stood empty and silent. As Bharata spoke thus, he entered the royal residence, which now felt forsaken, like a cave abandoned by a lion. Gazing upon the inner chambers, he saw them stripped of their former brilliance—like a day without the sun, deserted even by the gods. Overcome with distress, Bharata, ever self-controlled, wept for the loss of his brother and the sorrow that hung over his home. Thus ended a chapter in the great Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa of the ancient and revered Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. After settling his mothers in Ayodhyā, Bharata, steadfast but tormented by grief, addressed the elders with a heavy heart. “I shall go to Nandigrāma,” he announced. “Today, I bid you all farewell. There, I will bear my sorrow in Rāghava’s absence. The king has gone to heaven, and my teacher dwells in the forest. I will wait for Rāma to return, for he is the true and renowned king.” Hearing these noble words, the ministers and the venerable priest Vasiṣṭha praised Bharata. “What you say is truly praiseworthy, Bharata. Your words, born of brotherly affection, are fitting for you. Who would not approve of one so devoted to his kin, so steadfast in love, and so committed to the path of virtue?” Pleased by their response, Bharata instructed his charioteer, “Yoke my chariot.” With a joyful countenance, he respectfully greeted all his mothers, then, accompanied by Shatrughna, ascended the chariot. Together, the two brothers set out, surrounded by ministers and priests. The elders, led by Vasiṣṭha and accompanied by all the Brahmins, proceeded ahead toward Nandigrāma. An uninvited host, filled with elephants, horses, and chariots, followed as Bharata departed, joined by many citizens of Ayodhyā. Swiftly, Bharata, ever righteous and devoted to his brothers, traveled toward Nandigrāma, standing in his chariot with Rāma’s sandals reverently placed upon his head. Upon reaching Nandigrāma, Bharata quickly dismounted and addressed the elders: “This kingdom has been entrusted to me by my brother, as an act of renunciation. These sandals, adorned with gold, bear the welfare of the realm.” Placing the sandals upon his head, Bharata, sorrowful, spoke to the assembled citizens, “Quickly hold the royal umbrella over these revered sandals. Through them, and through my teacher, righteousness will abide in the kingdom. My brother has entrusted me with this duty out of love; I will preserve it until Rāghava returns. When I restore the sandals to Rāghava, I will bow at his feet. Then, relieved of my burden and reunited with him, I will return the kingdom to my teacher and devote myself to serving my elders. When I have returned the sandals and the kingdom to Rāghava, I will be purified of all sin. When Kakutstha is anointed and the people rejoice, my happiness and fame will surpass anything the kingdom alone could bring me.” Thus lamenting and distressed, the illustrious Bharata ruled from Nandigrāma, ever sorrowful, together with his ministers. He donned bark garments and wore his hair matted, living as a sage, even as he led his army. Bharata’s heart remained ever affectionate toward Rāma, longing for his return, steadfast in his vow and obedient to his brother’s word. Having consecrated the revered sandals, Bharata ruled the kingdom from Nandigrāma, entrusting all authority to the sandals as a symbol of Rāma’s sovereignty. Whenever any duty arose, or precious gifts were brought, Bharata would first present them to the sandals before performing his tasks, always mindful of his brother’s trust. Thus ended another chapter of the glorious Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa in the ancient poem of Vālmīki. Meanwhile, after Bharata’s departure, Rāma remained in his hermitage, observing with concern the agitation among the ascetics who dwelled before Citrakūṭa. He noticed that these ascetics, devoted to him, seemed anxious. With furrowed brows and sidelong glances, they pointed at Rāma and quietly discussed matters among themselves, their hearts troubled by recent events.