Beholding the intimidating numbers invade their territory, the denizens of the forest scattered in fright. Elephant herds and animals fled in terror, as dappled deer, bear and antelope ran helter-skelter. Reaching Chitrakuta Bharata said "These trees with their dark foliage, crowned with fragrant flowers seem like the people of the south, who adorn their hair with flowers. The peacock fears us and tries to hide its spectacular plumage behind a rock! How enchanting! How mesmerizing! Is this the holy retreat of the Rishis? It is like the threshold of heaven."

Though spellbound by the gorgeous display of nature's beauty and its creatures, not for a moment did Bharata's mind lose track of Rama! Commanding the army to begin their search and penetrating the forest they saw a plume of smoke rise above the treetops. Hoping it to be the abode of Rama or an ascetic who would guide them to Rama, a wave of happiness passed through the masses. Bharata raced ahead with Vasishta and Sumantra, while the rest joyously waited to see their beloved lord.