At dawn, on the fourteenth day, all those concerned with the proclamation of Bharata as king assembled at the palace.They told their prince that, since Dasaratha was no more, and Rama along with Lakshmana was away, he was now their sovereign. "Though without a king, by the grace of god this country has not yet fallen prey to anarchy.The ministers, priests and the citizens of Ayodhya look forward to your coronation. Do accept the throne of Kosala." Bharata, ever conscious of his duties and his Dharma, circumambulated all that had been procured for his coronation and said, "Aware of the traditions of the Ikshvaku dynasty, does it befit you to crown me?Rama will be king and I will live in Dandakaranya, serving his fourteen year term of exile. Let the four divisions of the army comprising of chariots, horses, elephants and infantry march forth, carrying with them all that has been gathered here for the coronation. Reaching Rama, I will crown him, who is the rightful heir to this throne. I shall worshipfully bring him to Ayodhya, like the holy fire borne to the sacrifice.Never will I lend myself to Kaikeyi's scheming mind, who is mother to me only in name." Those who had earlier misread Bharata's intentions now lauded and blessed him for his magnanimity. Bharata also told the ministers to make all paths to Dandaka and back fordable and smooth, for Rama's homecoming. Commending his noble thoughts, people left the palace with tears of joy in their eyes.