Bharata, steadfast in righteousness and filled with deep affection for his brothers, journeyed swiftly toward Nandigrama. Standing tall in his chariot, he bore Rama’s sandals reverently upon his head—a symbol of his devotion and renunciation. Upon reaching Nandigrama, Bharata quickly descended from his chariot and addressed the elders gathered there. He spoke with humility and sorrow, saying, “This kingdom has been entrusted to me by my brother, as if by an act of renunciation. These sandals, adorned with gold, now bear the weight of the realm’s welfare.” Placing the sandals upon his head, Bharata addressed the assembled citizens, his heart heavy with grief. “Quickly,” he instructed, “hold the royal umbrella over these revered sandals. By their presence, and by the guidance of my teacher, righteousness shall remain in the kingdom.” He continued, “My brother has entrusted this renunciation to me out of friendship, and I will safeguard it until Raghava returns. When I am able to restore these sandals to Rama, I shall behold his feet together with them. Then, relieved of this burden and reunited with Raghava, I will return the kingdom to my teacher and devote myself to the service of my elders. Having returned the sandals and the kingdom to Raghava and Ayodhya, I will be purified of any sin. When Kakutstha is anointed and the people rejoice, my happiness and fame will be fourfold greater than any joy from ruling the kingdom.” Thus lamenting and distressed, the illustrious Bharata governed from Nandigrama, sorrowful yet resolute, surrounded by his ministers. He lived there like a sage, donning bark garments and wearing his hair in matted locks, along with his army. Bharata’s heart remained ever affectionate toward Rama; he longed for his brother’s return, obeyed his every word, and stood steadfast in his vow. Having consecrated the sandals, Bharata resided in Nandigrama and entrusted all affairs of governance to those sacred sandals. Whenever a duty arose or a precious gift was brought, Bharata would first present it to the sandals before performing the task, always acting with utmost propriety. Thus concludes the one hundred and fifteenth sarga of the Ayodhya Kāṇḍa in the venerable Rāmāyaṇa of Vālmīki. After Bharata’s departure, Rama remained in the hermitage. He soon noticed agitation among the ascetics who dwelled nearby and grew concerned. Their anxious glances and furrowed brows, along with their quiet, suspicious conversations, did not escape Rama’s attention. Sensing their unease, Rama, palms joined in humility, approached the chief among the sages. “Revered one,” he asked with gentle concern, “I hope nothing in my conduct has appeared improper, causing distress among the ascetics. I hope my younger brother Lakshmana has not, through carelessness, acted unbefittingly in your eyes. And I hope Sita, ever devoted to your service and attentive to me, has not, through negligence, behaved in a manner unsuitable for her.” The venerable sage, aged by years and ascetic practice, trembled as he replied to compassionate Rama. “Dear one, how could there be any misconduct by Vaidehī, who is noble in character and delights in virtue, especially among ascetics? The concern among these sages arises solely because of you. Frightened by the demons, they speak among themselves.” He continued, “There is a demon here named Khara, brother of Ravana, who has uprooted all the ascetics dwelling in Janasthāna. He is bold, cruel, a devourer of men, arrogant and wicked—and he cannot tolerate your presence. Since you have come to this hermitage, the demons have begun to harass the ascetics. They appear in hideous, terrifying forms, monstrous and deformed, and commit dreadful acts. These wicked ones attack the ascetics, standing before them in ignoble ways, and delight in causing distress while hiding themselves unseen. They steal ladles and vessels, extinguish sacred fires with water, and crush water pots just as sacrifices are about to begin. Because these demons have defiled the hermitages, the sages now wish to leave and urge me to go elsewhere.” “Therefore, O Rama, before these evil ones inflict bodily harm upon the ascetics, we must abandon this hermitage. Not far from here lies a beautiful forest, rich in roots and fruits. I, along with my followers, will return to our old hermitage. Khara has acted unjustly toward you before, dear one; if you are inclined, come with us. For one who is always uncertain about his family’s safety, even the capable would find it difficult to remain here today.” Though Rama wished to persuade the ascetic with further words, he could not restrain him. The sage, with his followers, prepared to depart, leaving Rama to contemplate the dangers that now loomed over the hermitage.