The great Maharshis assembled at Chitrakuta and those other invisible sages who had witnessed and heard the conversation between Rama and Bharata were touched and amazed at this display of loyalty and love between the brothers. "Blessed is Dasaratha, who has such commendable sons," said they who craved the death of Ravana. They also told Bharata, "You who are born noble, intelligent and free of all taint wish Dasaratha's welfare, heed Rama." But Bharata diligently clung to his ideals and continued battling with Rama's will by falling at his feet and imploring him to go back to Ayodhya.

Rama gently seated Bharata by his side said, "Groomed by the Gurus and armed with the wisdom you are capable of ruling the entire earth. Ministers, friends and the learned of the land will counsel you in every way. The Moon may be deprived of its glow, the snows may desert the Himalayan peaks, and the oceans may trespass onto alien shores straying beyond their boundaries, but never shall I let taint befall the memory of my father, nor render his promise void. Kaikeyi vested this kingdom on you, obey her Bharata."

Beholding Rama effulgent as the Sun caressing as the Moon and steadfast as the mountain Bharata finally coming to terms with the irreversible said, "Rama give me your sandals for they alone will ensure prosperity and safety in this world". Rama protested no more. He wore his sandals once, and then gave them to Bharata who said "For fourteen years I too shall live with matted hair, clothed in bark, subsisting on fruit and roots. Awaiting your arrival, I will live outside Ayodhya. The sandals will rest on the throne and I will rule on your behalf. If at the end of the fourteen years I do not see you, I shall cast myself into the fire".Rama agreed and embracing Bharata and Satrughna, he bade them a warm farewell. Compassionate to the core, his parting advice to Bharata was, "Protect your mother, do not be angry with her. You are on oath and answerable to Sita and me". The queens and the princes bade a tearful farewell to Rama who was equally sorrowful. It was a painful parting."