Rama , Lakshmana and Sita were seated outside their hut.They saw deer and other jungle animals scurrying away and a cloud of dust onthe jungle road indicating some activity. Just then a forest dweller told them the news that Bharata was arriving along with an army and courtiers and would soon reach Chitrakoot.

Lakshmana was agitated to hear this. He said, “Look at him, like mother, like son. This Bharata thinks Rama is alone and unprotected inthe forest. He has evil intentions that is why he is coming with soldiers but as long as Lakshmana is alive, none of his plans will work.”

Rama then assured Lakshmana that even in his dream, Bharata would never falter from his high ideas and spotless character. “You should not get so agitated without any cause”, he told Lakshmana .

Eager to meet Rama , Bharata walked ahead of others. As soon as he saw Rama he fell down to greet Rama with a respectful “dandavatpranam” (Full body including head flat on the ground). His eyes were flooded with streaming tears. Rama ran to lift Bharata up in a warm embrace. After all the four brothers had greeted each other as well as Nishadraj, Bharata told Rama about Dasharatha ’s passing away. Rama and Lakshmana are saddened to hear thenews. After meeting the queens and guru, Rama went to the river to pay final respects to his father with a jalanjali (offering of water).

The next day all the courtiers sat together and Rama asked Bharata the purpose of his visit. Bharata told him that he wanted to organize Rama’s coronation at once in the jungle and take him back to rule over Ayodhya. Rama did not accept his suggestion. The next day king Janaka also came there with his court and countrymen. He also supported the suggestion of Bharata .

Rama said, “Neither I nor Bharata are interested in the throne but we are both bound to obey the promise given by our father.” Disappointed, Bharata prepared to leave. To follow Rama ’s ideal, he asked him for his sandals. Holding the charan paduka (sandals) on his head, he returned to Ayodhya after making Rama promise he would return on the same day the fourteen-year period got over.

On reaching Ayodhya, Bharata also dressed like anascetic, like Rama. He placed the sandals of Rama on the throne of Ayodhya. He made himself a simple straw-hut in Nandigram near Ayodhya and looked after the royal affairs and rule of Ayodhya as a representative of Rama.