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Rāma embraced Bharata again and again, and the two brothers shed tears of joy. Seeing the display of affection between Them, the monkeys and Vibhishana wept.

The following morning Vibhishana approached Rāma and told Him His bath was ready. The Rākṣasa said, “Hot and cold baths, as well as every sort of cosmetic, unguents and perfume are ready , and we have prepared heavenly garments and garlands.

As the chariot reached Kishkindha, Rāma had it stop and He told Sugrīva, “Quickly descend and fetch your wives and kinsfolk, O monkey.

Hanumān approached Bharata and found Him continuously repeating Rāma’s name. Then, with folded palms, he stood before the prince and said, “Having completed His exile and slain Rāvaṇa , Rāma will soon arrive, accompanied by Sītā and Lakṣman. He has asked after Your welfare and He longs to be reunited with You.”

Gandharvas sang while the Apsarās danced their mind-stealing dances, filled with movements and gestures and “All glories to Sītā and Rāma!”

The city streets were beautifully decorated with flags and garlands. From the balconies of the mansions women threw handfuls of flower petals and parched rice. Rāma looked around at everyone and smiled, raising His hand in blessing.

Emperor Daśaratha’s widows dressed and decorated Sītā. When Rāma and His three brothers were all prepared, Bharata summoned Sumantra and the royal chariot. He personally took the reins and Rāma climbed aboard with Sītā. As the chariot proceeded toward the city, Lakṣman and Vibhishana fanned Rāma on either side with white

Rāma agreed and turned to Hanumān. He asked the monkey to proceed ahead to the city and inform Bharata that He would soon arrive. On the way the monkey should stop at Sringavera and inform Guha of the news.

Bharata was overwhelmed with joy and sank to the ground in a faint. After regaining consciousness He stood up and embraced Hanumān. The prince shed tears of happiness and He spoke in an exuberant voice. I shall give you a hundred thousand cows and many beautiful maidens, adorned with gold and jewels.”

The Pushpaka descended to earth and Rāma dismounted along with Lakṣman and Sītā. Bharata ran over to Them with Shatrughna, and the four brothers embraced each other for a long time. All the principal monkeys, headed by Sugrīva, Aṅgada and Hanumān, assumed human forms and disembarked

Sugrīva agreed and summoned Hanumān, Jambavan, Rishabha and Gavaya. He gave each of them a golden pail encrusted with gems and told them to bring water from each of the four oceans in the north, south, east and west. The monkeys bounded away and swiftly carried out the order.

Shatrughna, along with Bharata’s ministers, went into the city and began to prepare. They had Kaushalya and Sumitra placed upon palanquins and brought to Nandigram, where Bharata was living The blast of conches and the roll of drums was tumultuous. A great roar came from the huge crowds, and it appeared as if the entire population of Ayodhya had come The fourteen years of Rāma’s exile had already ended and all the citizens longed only for His return.

Bharata asked Hanumān to tell Him in full what had happened to Rāma since his departure and the monkey He told Shatrughna to go into the city and spread the news of Rāma’s impending return. Bharata ordered that the city be fully decorated with pennants and garlands, and everyone should come

Rāma saw Kaushalya nearby and He broke free from the crowd of people who were pressing in around Him. Quickly approaching His mother, He fell before her and clasped her feet. She was pale and emaciated through grief and separation from her son. Rāma also bowed before her and touched her feet with reverence.

Without delay Hanumān continued on to Ayodhya and he arrived early the following morning. He sat by His wooden hut and shone with ascetic glory, and He was surrounded by His ministers and priests

Rāma replied, “Let it be so,” and a great cheer went up from the assembly. He took His bath and dressed in costly silks and brilliant gold ornaments. Many garlands of celestial flowers were hung around His neck and He was daubed with sandal-paste of various

Rāma smiled and agreed. With all your kinsfolk and friends, please mount this chariot and come to Ayodhya.”

The coronation began early in the morning and Rāma was ritualistically bathed by the Brahmins. Following this, Rāma was bathed by His ministers and chief warriors, and then by the leaders of the trading

The earth itself seemed to rejoice and gave forth abundant crops and fruits, as well as flowers which The gods filled the canopy of the sky, and all the divine beings experienced the highest ecstasy upon

Rāma said, “You have already fully honored Me with your first-class counsel and advice. You have served Me well on the battlefield and I am deeply indebted to you. My task is accomplished and I must return quickly to Ayodhya.”