Leaving Rajagriha, Bharata, traveled eastward. Crossing the river Bharata's entourage came to the river Hladini. After the river Satadru and the stream at Ailadhana they crossed the river Salyakarsana. Riding beyond mount Mahasaila, going through Chaitraratha forests, cities and villages, at the confluence of the rivers Ganga and Saraswathi, they entered the Bharunda forest.Except for stops when man or animal wearied, or they needed to replenish supplies, the royal retinue tarried nowhere. They passed through picturesque country where lush forest and majestic mountains lent their charm to the landscape.Magnificent rivers flowed with their waters shimmering as they snaked their way through mountains, plains and valleys, enhancing the beauty of their surroundings.

Bharata`s grave face with a far away look in his eyes, did not seem to notice much, for a premonition of some great ill haunted him to distraction. Close to Ayodhya, at Ujjihanagar, Bharata ordered the fastest horses to be harnessed to his chariot and sped towards Ayodhya, like the god of the winds, passing through space. Even the horses seemed to feel the restless urgency of their master.After traveling for seven days and seven nights they reached the outer bounds of Kosala and at dawn of the eighth day, Bharata beheld the golden turrets of Ayodhya, magnificent capital of the Ikshvakus built by lord Manu.

Bharata's heart leapt with joy for a moment, at the sight of his beloved city. He said that Ayodhya, with the green of its gardens, groves, white sands, with the wealth of its knowledge and riches, was the most beautiful city rivaling Indra's Amaravati.Entering it, he was puzzled at the unusual quiet of the city and he asked his charioteer, "Charioteer, tell me why a city renowned for its wealth, learning and beauty, where Vedic priests abound, where yagnas and yagas are always performed should look so joyless. Why do I not hear the clamor of people, the wheels of their chariots or the bustle of people on the streets?The gardens are so quiet, they seem seem to weep, deprived of their youthful visitors. Homes look deserted and yards are unclean.The trees in the gardens drooping seem to shed tears and not leaves.I hear neither beast nor bird.The air is no longer filled with the fragrance of incense and sandal. Why do the drums not boom and why is there no music? The stillness frightens me charioteer!Is it possible that all is not well with my kinsfolk?I see many inauspicious omens and I hear the cry of foxes that bode ill."

When Bharata entered Ayodhya through its west gate Vajayantha, an eerie silence seemed to physically embrace him in a suffocating grip. His heart throbbed, legs grew weak and his body trembled and he stopped dead on his track. Still mounted on his wearied horse he said, "Charioteer, tell me why, without quoting the cause, you brought me here in such haste? In the days of yore when kings died many were the signs of their having passed away. I now behold those signs. The streets are empty; houses joyless and even the temples of god have lost their radiance. Feeling the almost palpable gloom that had engulfed Ayodhya, the troubled prince, with head bowed and heart full of anguish entered the palace of his father."