38. The Return of Rama and the Coronation of Ayodhya
It was on the fifth day of the bright half of a lunar month that Rama left Ayodhya. Fourteen years later, on the same day, he reached the Ashram of Sage Bharadwaja on his return journey. He bowed to the sage and said, “O great sage, I am eager to know about the conditions prevailing in Ayodhya. Is Bharata ruling the land with justice and efficiency?”
Bharata’s Righteous Rule
“Do not worry on that account, O Rama,” replied the sage. “For Bharata has conducted himself saintly. He is so humble that instead of sitting on the throne himself, he has placed your sandals on it. He never allowed anybody to view him as the king; he called himself your servant and viceroy. The people are happy and are all looking forward to your return.”
A Visit to Guha
At Bharadwaja’s request, Rama decided to spend a day in the Ashram. He instructed Hanuman, “Go to Shringaveripur and meet the king of the hills, Guha. He will be delighted to hear of our victory and return. He will show you the way to Ayodhya. Upon your arrival in the city, meet Bharata and narrate to him all that befell us, our battle with Ravana, and our success in rescuing Sita. While doing so, observe Bharata’s reactions. It is not uncommon for someone in power to grow attached to their position over the years. If Bharata appears even slightly sad at the thought of losing his authority, I must allow him to continue as the ruler. Hence, it is important to know his mind.”
The Meeting with Bharata
Hanuman rose into the sky and descended at Shringaveripur. After informing Guha about Rama’s adventure and safe return, to the great joy of the latter, Hanuman proceeded to Nandigram. Nandigram, surrounded by gardens and orchards, was the place where Bharata awaited Rama. He was beset with anxiety at the delay in Rama’s return, hardly caring for sleep or food. He wore simple ochre clothes, and the growth of his hair gave him the appearance of a hermit, and his ministers followed suit, looking like hermits as well. Bharata ruled the country from his camp at Nandigram.
Hanuman Brings Good Tidings
Hanuman bowed to Bharata and said, “I bring you good tidings from Sri Ramachandra, O worthy prince! He is on his way to Ayodhya after a glorious victory over Ravana, the demon-king who kidnapped Sita. Mother Sita is safe, Bharata, and Rama will meet you shortly, along with her, Lakshmana, and the fortunate heroes who assisted him in the battle. I am here to ensure that you are in the best of health.”
Bharata’s Joy
Bharata listened to the message with rapt attention. Excess joy caused him to lose consciousness momentarily. Upon recovering, he exclaimed, “O great and glorious messenger, I do not know whether I should regard you as a god or an angel. I am at a loss to understand how I can reward you for the tidings you have brought. I bestow upon you hundreds of villages, a large number of cattle, and a vast amount of wealth as gifts.”
Preparations for Rama’s Return
Hanuman then narrated to Bharata all that had occurred since Rama left Chitrakut. Bharata was astounded by the course of events and ordered special worship of the deities in various temples and festivals to be held throughout the kingdom. He directed his officers to beautify the road between Nandigram and Ayodhya with flower-decked welcome arches and other innovations.
The Grand Procession
A magnificent procession formed to receive Rama, led by Bharata, who held Rama’s sandals on his head as he advanced. His ministers followed him, and singers and dancers enlivened the event. High officials carried the jeweled umbrella and the scepter, the symbols of royal authority, to present them to Rama at the earliest opportunity. The queens of Dasaratha, surrounded by their maids, were also part of the procession, along with priests, prominent citizens of Ayodhya, and numerous soldiers.
Rama’s Arrival
Impatient, Bharata once queried Hanuman, “Where is the flying chariot of which you spoke? Why is it taking so long?”
Rama had been enchanted by the serene environment of Bharadwaja’s Ashram. He left the Ashram in the morning, and then Hanuman announced, “Look at the sky over the horizon, O prince, and see the dazzling golden chariot approaching us quickly. The chariot was once Kubera’s, and now it serves my master.”
The crowd erupted in joyous shouts, “Here comes the flying chariot with Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana!”
Reunion and Coronation
The flying chariot, Pushpaka, descended before them. As soon as Rama emerged, Bharata prostrated himself at his feet, saying, “I have followed your instructions to the best of my ability. I have remained vigilant throughout the past fourteen years to ensure your subjects’ happiness.”
Rama embraced Bharata warmly. Bharata then entered the chariot and greeted Sita and Lakshmana. He welcomed his guests heartily. To Sugriva, he said, “We are four brothers, and you have become our fifth. We can never repay our debt to you.” To Vibhishana, he added, “My heart is filled with gratitude for you.” Shatrughna also prostrated himself before Rama and Lakshmana and offered flowers at Sita’s feet.
Final Celebrations
Rama rushed to his mother, Kaushalya, and fell at her feet. He showed due reverence to Sumitra, Kaikeyi, and Sage Vasishta. Bharata placed the sandals at Rama’s feet and made him wear them. His voice choked with emotion, he declared, “I have served the land as your servant for fourteen years. Today, you return to your kingdom. What loftier sight could I ever see? My life’s purpose is fulfilled!”
Rama sent the flying chariot, Pushpak, back to its original owner, Kubera. Preparations for Rama’s coronation began while he was still at Nandigram. The entire kingdom rejoiced. Rama and Sita appeared dignified and beautiful in their royal attire. Shatrughna and the queens of Dasharatha prepared Rama and Sita respectively for the occasion.
The ministers left for Ayodhya in advance to make the necessary arrangements for the long-awaited event. Soon, Rama riding a chariot reached the city, followed by Sugriva and Hanuman, who marveled at the magnificence of Ayodhya.
A Royal Tradition
Rama entered his father’s palace amidst joyous songs and the sound of music. Apartments adjacent to the palace garden were allocated to the guests. Sugriva presented four golden pitchers to four of the Vanara heroes—Hanuman, Jambavan, Vegadarshi, and Rishava—and asked them to fetch waters from the four oceans before dawn.
Immediately, the heroes set out and returned not only with waters from the four oceans but also with water from five hundred rivers. The coronation proceeded with all the ceremonies prescribed in the scriptures. Rama and Sita sat on the bejeweled throne, with priests guiding the function and all the ministers, generals, and noblemen playing their roles.
Shatrughna held the white umbrella over Rama and Sita while Sugriva and Vibhishana stood ready with fans. Rama doled out alms and gifts to the needy and deserving and presented a pearl necklace to Sita, saying, “You can give this to anyone you feel motherly affection for.” Sita immediately called Hanuman and offered the necklace to him. The other Vanaras were also rewarded by Rama.
End of an Era
With the coronation complete, Vibhishana returned to Lanka. Rama declared Bharata to be the crown prince and dedicated his attention to the welfare of the people. The citizens of Ayodhya celebrated for a long time. They were filled with joy at Rama’s return and proud of Bharata’s righteous conduct. Indeed, Bharata had ruled Ayodhya with utter humility. This was a period of asceticism for him, and he proved himself to be a worthy brother to Rama.