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Rāma entered His father’s palace and ordered Bharata to take Sugrīva to his own palace. Bharata left Rāma to rest for the night and, after arranging for all the monkey’s accommodations, He Please arrange to fetch water from the ocean and rivers.”

Vibhishana bowed low before Rāma and repeatedly requested Him to stay for a while in Lanka and accept He thought of His mother and of Bharata—how they must long to see Him again! If He did not return, they would surely be consumed by grief and anxiety.

Rāma turned to Sītā and smiled. His purpose was fulfilled.

The shout was echoed by the crowd of citizens and a great clamor arose. They looked with amazement at the celestial vehicle carrying Rāma and Sītā, which appeared above the horizon like the sun and moon joined together.

This crown had been created by Brahmā and was first worn by Manu himself. Wearing that golden crown and seated upon a throne made of precious stones, Rāma was radiant and difficult Seated next to Him was the exquisitely adorned Sītā, enhancing Rāma’s grandeur and magnificence.

Vāyu came in person and presented to Rāma an unfading garland of a hundred celestial lotuses, which imbued its wearer with unfailing vigor and energy. Taking that necklace, Rāma turned and placed it on Sītā’s breast. She immediately lifted it in her two delicate hands and glanced over at Hanumān. Understanding her desire, Hanumān knelt before the princess and she placed the necklace over his head

He bounded swiftly through the forestlands and soon reached Guha’s abode, telling him the happy news. The Niṣadha king was overjoyed and he immediately set about preparing to leave for Ayodhya.

Rāma then looked up at the Pushpaka and said, “O Pushpaka, you may now return to your master, Kuvera. The heavenly chariot then rose into the sky and disappeared.

He at once invoked the Pushpaka, and it appeared in the sky. Rāma gazed with wonder at the glowing golden chariot, with its lofty, jewel-encrusted mansions and countless

Then he helped Rāma and Sītā to ascend the chariot. Rāma again thanked Vibhishana for his service and the Rākṣasa sorrowfully watched Him prepare to leave

Rāma greeted Kaikeyi and the other royal ladies who had come there. He offered His obeisance to Vasiṣṭha and the Brahmins, who uttered auspicious hymns from the Vedas. As He stood up and looked around, Rāma smiled at the citizens, bringing joy to their hearts.

Hundreds of sages walked in front of the chariot chanting mantras and hymns. Behind the chariot came Sugrīva, still in human semblance, riding upon a great elephant and followed The procession moved in state through Ayodhya accompanied by the blast of countless conches and the roll

He bathes in cold rivers and eats only roots and fruits gleaned from the forest.

“Give them abundant gold and jewels to take back with them. The king should always reward his army. They should be well cared for and given everything they desire, for they must lay down their lives for

He questioned Hanumān again and again, and the monkey repeatedly reassured Him.

He placed them before Rāma and said, “Here is the entire kingdom, held in trust by Me on Your behalf. My birth has borne fruit today and My deepest desire is fulfilled, for I see You returned as the king

Rāma replied, “Please exert your power and make all the trees surrounding Ayodhya fill with heavenly

At once Bharadvāja meditated and, by his mystic power, all the trees for twenty miles around Ayodhya

He stopped the chariot and went down to see the sage, bowing low before him. Bharadvāja offered his blessings and informed Rāma that Bharata was anxious to see Him.

Bharata told Rāma that everything in the kingdom, its exchequer, storehouses, army and crops, had increased