Bharata Leads a Procession to Chitrakuta

In the Vedic tradition, the mourning period for an individual's death is thirteen to fourteen days. During this time, no celebrations are allowed. Fourteen days after King Dasharatha's death, a state council was convened. Everyone voted for Bharata to accept the throne, but Bharata refused. "We should all go to the forest and persuade Brother Rama to return," he said. "He is the true heir to the throne."

All the ministers in the meeting agreed with Bharata's suggestion. So he, Shatrughna, the three queens, the sages, and a vast army (for protection against wild animals) began their journey toward Chitrakuta. As the large group marched through the forest, small animals ran here and there in fear. 

When Bharata's party reached Chitrakuta, Lakshmana heard a commotion. He climbed a tall tree and tried to see who was coming their way. Upon seeing Bharata approaching their cottage with a large army, he grew suspicious, but Rama assured him that Bharata had no evil designs. Nevertheless, Lakshmana prepared for battle.

Bharata left his army some distance away and approached Rama's cottage with Shatrughna, Maharshi Vashishtha, and Sumantra. He saw Rama standing with matted hair alongside Sita and Lakshmana. Filled with brotherly love, Bharata ran toward Rama, fell at his feet, and started sobbing. Rama lifted Bharata and embraced him. 

After summoning up his courage, Bharata said to Rama, "Father is no longer in this world. He could not bear to be separated from you. Before taking his final breath, he kept saying your name." 

When Rama heard that his father was dead, he was heartbroken. Bharata, Lakshmana, and Sita tried to console him. Vashishtha, Rama, and Lakshmana then went to the Mandakini riverbank to offer water libations for King Dasharatha's soul. After that, everyone went into the cottage.