Bharata bursting with love and admiration for Rama said, "Rama! Misfortunes do not move you nor do joys elate you. Though men deem you the most knowledgeable, you still seek counsel of your elders in all humility. What can disturb him, who treats life and death, fortune and misfortune with such equanimity? How can adversities affect or overcome him, who is aware of the cause and effect of every happening in this world? Beyond corruption, you are the magnanimous, omniscient and omnipotent divinity. Neither the cause nor culmination of the most fearful calamities, make you even flinch.What can upset a man who does not hold in contempt the dead, nor despise the living? Just as man has no desire for the unmanifest, he has no craving for that which is manifest. You are upright to the core. If only the chains of dharma did not bind me I would have punished my mother with death for her sins. Born into the impeccable dynasty of the Ikshvakus as the son of Dasaratha, how can I take the blame, for such a heinous crime? I shall not berate a god-like father, in the presence of an august assembly- but tell me Rama, which man of dharma for the pleasure of a woman would commit such a sin? The saying that the minds of men are deluded at the time of their death has been proved to be true of Dasaratha. Set right the injury to dharma that has been caused so recklessly by the doting king.

"A true and worthy son commends his father's righteousness but denounces his corruption. Be a worthy son and redeem the sins of your father. Protect the universe, the kingdom, our friends, our kin and the inhabitants of Kosala. Where is the forest and where is Kshatriya dharma? Where are matted locks and where the governance of a kingdom? The primary duty of a Kshatriya is to be crowned so that he may protect his subjects. Which man of the warrior class would set aside his duties, opting for an ascetic way of life that is dubious, purposeless and inauspicious? A Kshatriya should rule the world of reality with its share of pleasures and sacrifices, for his ultimate liberation.

In knowledge, heredity and in age, I am younger than you, how can I be crowned? Let the counselors, the subjects and the priests, headed by Vasishta consecrate you here and now. Return to Ayodhya, redeeming your debts to the devas, rishis and ancestors, Gratifying the desires of your friends and subduing enemies, you alone are fit to rule. Free my mother of her blame and my father of his sin. May we be blessed with your grace! Regardless of my prayers if you still want to go back into the woods, I too shall follow you."The people of Ayodhya were proud of Bharata and delighted with his reslove and watched helplessly as Rama turned down his every plea.