A league away from the hermitage Bharata stripping himself of his jewels and other royal trappings walked to the hermitage. Beholding Vasishta, Bharadvaja rose quickly asking his disciples to get ready to welcome his honoured guests. After greeting each other Bharadvaja recognised Bharata and asked him, "Tell me Bharata, I know you rule Ayodhya, but Rama the most renowned of men, has been banished by a father, who has fallen prey to the wiles of his queen. Wishing to rid your kingdom of all enemies, have you come to slay that sinless Rama?"Bharadvaja's words stunned Bharata and tears streamed down his face. In a voice that shook with untold anguish he said, "If you think the blame to be mine I consider myself dead. How can you with your knowledge of the past, present and future accuse me of such atrocity? I do not deserve your reproach nor will I be held responsible for what had happened during my absence form Ayodhya. I never condoned my mother's actions, nor was I ever a party to her treachery. I am here for the explicit purpose of escorting Rama back to Ayodhya.Now sir, can you ell me where Rama may be found?"

Appeasing Bharata, Bharadvaja said, "To you born of the race of the Ikshvakus, the qualities of nobility, self control and virtue are natural. Famed for fearlessly dispensing your duties I know you Bharata and I know the purpose of your visit. I questioned you only to enhance your renown as a faithful brother.Rama now lives on the Chitrakuta Mountain where you may travel tomorrow.Let us have the pleasure of your stay here, for now."