Vasishta addressing the elite assembly looked at Bharata and said, "My son, placing this earth in your care, your father has departed from it. Rama, who rivals Dasaratha in truth and dharma, has removed himself to the forest to redeem that father's promises.Liberating the country of all enemies, your father and brother have given you the custody of this land, of which you are now the lord. May you soon be its crowned king."Bharata brooded over Vasishta's advice, which was so opposed to the code of honor that he knew. Disagreeing with Vasishta he said, "Rama has not only acquired profound knowledge of the Vedas, but is an ardent follower of every dharma mentioned in every Veda. How can a son of Dasaratha steeped and bound by the scriptures, steal a kingdom from his brother? Tell me now what is righteous?

"First born, peerless, and an equal of king Nahusha and Dilipa, Rama alone is fit to be king. What the wise would not contemplate upon and that, which is opposed to the heavens, is this sin. It will defame the noble race of the Ikshvakus and I will be the blame of that infamy. I condemn my mother's transgressions and offer my homage to Rama, who dwells in that fort like forest. In the presence of all those assembled here, I vow to bring Rama back to Ayodhya, failing which I shall stay there, like Lakshmana". Ayodhya rejoiced at Bharata's nobility and his unswerving devotion to Rama.

When Bharata asked Sumantra to order the march of the armies, there arose a great clamor in the city of Ayodhya. In every home, women urged and hastened their husbands, and themselves, in preparing for the journey. A near exodus of Ayodhya started as people poured out of homes and mansions, mounted on every possible mode of transport. Brahmins, kshatriyas, vaisyas and sudras waited with bated breath, as did their horses, elephants, camels and donkeys to start on their journey. As soon as Bharata's magnificent chariot moved so did the massive columns surge forward in great splendor.