Bharata installed the queens in the palace and informed his Gurus that he would live in Nandigrama. "There shall I deal with the grief of Rama's exile that ever haunts me. I shall await his return." Vasishta praised Bharata for his veneration of Rama, his love for his kinsmen and his adherence to dharma. Bharata then took leave of the queens, his Gurus and ministers and rode away in his chariot accompanied by Satrughna preceeded by Vasishta and the Brahmins. As they traveled towards the east,withoutinvitation,even the inhabitants and armies of Ayodhyafollowed him to Nandigrama.

Bharata installed Rama's sandals ceremoniously on the throne of Kosala and coronated them as he would the person of Rama. "As custodian of the kingdom I shall protect and safeguard it andI will serve him with the same veneration as I would serve Dasaratha."True to his word, Bharata lived the life of an ascetic. Robed in bark, with his hair matted, he lived humbly and ate frugally. Bharata ruled Kosala from Nandigrama with his ministers and counselors. All authority and power rested with the sandals, symbol of Rama's rule. Any event small or big had to be graced by them and any article of value gifted or brought, was to be first presented to the throne . Rama's royal presence was felt at all times.