Bharata readied his armies and his people for the homeward journey. Happy with Rama's sandals, holding them on his head, he mounted the chariot along with Satrughna, Vasishta, Vamadeva and Jabali. When the royal entourage came to the hermitage of Bharadhvaja, Bharata got off to pay homage to the sage, who asked him of Rama's decision. Vasishta said that neither Bharata nor he could cause the smallest ripple in Rama's resolve. He also said that Bharata was to install Rama's sandals on the throne of Kosala, where they would be symbolic of Rama's authority while Bharata would only rule on Rama's behalf.

Bharadvaja, full of admiration for Bharata, whose magnanimity impressed him greatly said, "Though Dasaratha is dead, he is immortalized by your nobility and generosity which is beyond compare".Bharata took worshipful leave of the holy ascetic. After crossing the cool waters of the rivers Yamuna and Ganga the royal retinue arrived at Srngiberapura. Forging ahead, they reached Ayodhya. The people and the armies that had streamed out of that city in search of Rama now flowed back. Beholding an Ayodhya bereft of his father and brother a great melancholy descended upon Bharata. He said to Sumantra "Charioteer, behold Ayodhya, a city of unparalleled beauty, which is now devoid of all charm.Its streets are no longer vibrant, with its happy throngs. Pallid and lusterless, the desolation that pervades seems to have also rendered it mute."