Rama goes back

Having lived a long life, Rama gave himself up. Many sages went with Rama. Many others wanted to go with Rama, but Rama asked them to stay back.
In Vaikuntha Rama showed himself as Vishnu. Sita came there as Lakshmi.
Rama said Where will the people go, who came along with me?
Brahma said I have created a part of the heaven for them. Also, all those who hear the Ramayana will go there. All vedas are one side and your name is heavier than that.
One who listens to the seven kandas of Ramayana will have the same gain as one gains from the Ashwamedha yagna.

With this the seven kandas of Ramayana end.

Kingdom divided among sons

Rama ruled the kingdom for eleven thousand years. Slowly Kaushalya, Kaikeyi and Sumitra passed away.

One day the king of Kaikeya came to Rama and asked for his help. His land was being attacked the Gandharva Lomesha.
Rama called Bharata. He said Go to the land of your mother. Defeat the Gandharva and then make your sons the kings there.

Bharata went there and defeated the gandharvas. The sons of Bharata - Pushkara and Taksha were made kings there.

Sons of Lakshmana, Angada and Chadraketu were also made kings. The kingdom of Malya was given to Angada and Chandraketu got the land of Ahshwa.

Shatrughati and Subahu, sons of Shatrughna took over the kingdom of Mathura.

Ayodhya and Nandigrama was divided between Lava and Kusha. 

Grief of Lava and Kusha

Throwing their veenas. the two brothers fell on the ground. How will we live without you? We know no one else other than you. You fed us when we were hungry. You brought us up and when it is time for us to look after you, you left us.

Rama asked the boys to be sent to Kaushalya. The Queens of Dahsratha consoled the boys. Lakshama, Bharata and Shatrughna went to the boys and tried to console them.

The boys were crying away. Seeing no other option, they called Rama. Rama came and all there were in tears.

Rama then decided to tear open the earth and get Sita back. Brahma seeing this came to Rama and said You are the who takes care of all, why do you destroy the creation.

The sages said to Rama, Do not grieve. Listen to the complete Ramayana again tomorrow. You will feel good.

Early morning, Rama sat in the court and his sons They had stopped at Sita's banishment. They sang the complete song about how Rama would banish Lakshamana.

The sages who had come left pleased with the song. 

Rama falls

Rama was grieving for his brothers when Lava and Kusha decided to return and fight. They shot arrows and the darkness vanished.
It was a fierce battle. Sometimes Rama had to take a step backwards and sometimes the brothers.
Struck by an arrow of the brother, Rama fell on the ground. Rama got up.
Lava shot an arrow and like a noose, the weapon wrapped itself around Rama's neck. Kusha shot an arrow which struck Rama. Rama fell on the ground.

Rama was in pain. The two brothers went to Rama. They started taking Rama's jewels and the crown. Hanumana and Jambuvana, being immortal were senseless, not dying as they were immortal. Taking their prize, the brothers rushed home. They decided to take Hanumana and Jambuvana as their prisoners.

Sita was wondering what had happened to her sons when they appeared. Happily they started telling Sita about their battles and how they had defeated Shatrughna, Lakshmana, Bharata and Rama. They also said they had got two prisoners. As they were huge in size, the brothers had not been able to get them inside the hut so had kept them outside. They then started showing the jewels they had got.

Sita recognized the jewels. She started lamenting. What have you done? You have killed your own father. I am want to go see Rama before the vultures swoon down on him.

The two brothers started crying. Coming outside, Sita saw Hanumana and Jambuvana, tied up. Sita said You have done something which you should never have. Hanumana is your elder brother, He jumped and crossed the ocean for me. You have killed your father. I will consume poison and kill myself. I do not want to live this life. Untie Hanumana and Jambuvana immediately.

To Hanumana, Sita said Please Do not tell anyone about this. They did not know who you were which is why they fought you.

Sita then ran to see Rama, with the two brothers behind her. Seeing Rama, she fell down at his feet and said Please forgive your sons who fought you unknowingly.

The two brothers said Mother, You never told us who our father was. How were we to know that we sons of Rama? We have killed our father and will not live this life. We will kill ourselves by jumping into the fire.

Sita said I will enter the fire first and you can do what you want to, after that.

Three fire pyres were built and burnt.

Valmiki had been meditating and saw blood in front of this eyes. He knew he was needed in his ashrama. He immediately rushed and came to the ashrama.

There were jackals and vultures everywhere. He asked Sita what had happened.

Sita said Lava and Kusha fought and killed their father and uncles. You taught them how to use weapons and see what has happened.

Valmiki said Do not worry. Rama and his brothers will come alive. The others who have fallen will also come alive. I will tell you all. Come inside the ashrama with your sons.

He asked Lava and Kusha to sprinkle holy water on all who had fallen. This was an elixir and as soon as the water touched them, the dead people sat up. Sita was relieved to see Rama and his brothers get up. Valmiki asked Sita to go inside with her sons.

Rama saw Valmiki and asked about the two boys, Valmiki asked Rama to go and complete the sacrifice. When it was time, he would come to Rama. 

Rama comes to fight

Rama with his army reached the ashrama. Rama saw his brothers lying on the ground.
Lava and Kushan heard the noise of the army approaching. They realized Rama was coming and were eager to fight and defeat Rama.
Sita heard the noise and wondered what this was. Sita said I ask you to be careful. I have you two only in my life. If something happens to you, I will not be alive. Do not pick up battles when you do not have to.
The brothers told Sita to go inside and told her not to worry. They then went and changed their dress and picked by their bows and arrows.
The people were amazed to see three Ramas facing each other.
The wise ones said Sita was five months pregnant and Lakshaman had left her in this forest.
Rama thought the same and wondered if they were his sons.

Rama went to the boys and said I am the son of Dashratha. I am amazed to see you two. You look like me, walk like me and have similar weapons like me. Tell me who are you? Are you my sons?

The brothers were quiet. They did not know who their father was. They decided they will go and ask about their father later.

They said Where have you heard that sons fight their father? Are you scared and trying to please us?
Rama said I have big warriors with me and a huge army. Will you alone be able to fight me? When you fall in battle, people will say I killed two boys. Choose whom you want to fight.

Lava said to Kusha - Let us first destroy the army of Rama.
Lava and Kusha started their battle. The horses and elephants were first killed. The rakshasas and vanaras then attacked.
Lava said to Kusha See these vanaras, bears and rakshasas coming to fight us.
They started shooting arrows.

Soon most of the vanaras and rakshasas had fallen.
Lifting a mountain, Sugriva attacked. The brothers cut off the mountain with an arrow, and with another arrow, Sugriva fell. Angada jumped at the brothers but an arrow cut his hourney and he too fell.
Hanumana then attacked with a mountain but an arrow cut off the mountain. Another arrow hit Hanumana and he fell on the ground senseless.
Seeing Hanumana fall, the vanaras started fleeing.

Rama was amazed. he had come with a huge army and now only a handful of people were left.

Lava and Kusha said You army has left you. Most are dead and the remaining have fled.

Rama said I am there and will kill you two. I still fell you are my sons and that is why you are able to display such skills.

The brothers said Do not address us as your sons and thus make us weak. We will fight you.

Rama started shooting arrows. The sky became dark. Not sure what to do, the brothers fled from there. 

Bharata falls

Lava waited and watched Kusha fight Bharata. He thought Kusha is fighting well but he has become proud, having defeated Shatrughna. I will go to him, only when he needs help.

Kusha and Bharata were having a fierce battle. Kusha finished off the army of Bharata. Only seven soldiers were left. They asked Bharata to surrender and flee.
Bharata said A Kshatriya does not flee. Pointing to Kusha, he said See my soldiers want to run.
Kusha said let them go and inform Rama. Maybe Rama will come and fight.
Bharata said I am seeing Rama in you. If I loose today I will not be offended. You have the same skill and strength as Rama.
Kusha said You talk about Rama. What will he do when you fall in battle. If Rama defeats us that will be a blotch in our names. If I leave you, Lava will laugh at me.
Bharata said You talk of Lava. he will not be able to escape from Lakshmana.
Hearing this Lava came and said Lakshmana has fallen long back.

A battle started between Kusha and Bharata. Kusha cut off all arrows fired by Bharata and then finally he invoked an arrow. The arrow pierced Bharata. Bharata fell.

Lava went and embraced Kusha. They went to the nearby river and washed off the blood from their bodies. Changing their clothes, they went to their mother.

Sita said I was worried about you. What happened?
The brothers said The kings that had come hunting are gone now.

The soldiers who had escaped went to Rama and told him about the fall of Lakshmana and Bharata.

Rama fainted. Coming to his senses, he had tears in his eyes.

Sugriva said There is no point in grieving. We should go and fight.

Rama said That is well said. What is the point in me being here when my brothers lie in battlefield.

Getting a huge army ready, Rama started for battle.

Danda Forest

Agastya said - In the land of Vidarbha, was a king called Shweta. The king meditated in a forest. There were no animals in that forest which surprised the king. Listen to the reason for this. There was a king in Vidharbha, called Nala, who ruled that land. He had a son called Ikshvaku, who took over the kingdom after his father. It was this king who started the solar dynasty, in whose clan you were born, Rama.

His kingdom was taken over forcibly, by his younger brother, Danda. He was a cruel person.

One day he went to the house of the sage Shukra. Abja, the daughter of Shukra had gone to pluck flowers. Shukra was not there when Abja returned with the flowers. 

Danda was smitten by her and grabbed her hand. Abja said she was the daughter of his Guru and it was not proper that he behave in that manner. Danda did not listen. and said he would have her by force.

Abja said that would mean the death of the king.

The king then raped Abja and left. Abja started crying out to her father. 

Shukra coming to know this cursed the king to die.

Fire showers began in the kingdom and Danda and his entire family was burnt to death. The kingdom got transformed into a forest and became known as the Dandaka forest.

This is the forest where we are now.

Rama stayed that day with Agastya. They prayed together in the evening. Rama stayed there that night and in the next day morning he took leave of Agastya. 

Rama in the ashrama of Agastya

Rama then went to the ashrama of Agastya. Agastya gave gifts to Rama, but Rama said as a kshatriya, he could accept gifts from a brahmana. It was the duty of a kshatriya to look after the subjects and give gifts.
Agastya said Rama, You are Vishnu, born on this planet and I have the right to give gifts to that God.
Saying this, Agastya gave many gems and jewels to Rama.
Rama asked the sage where he got these.
Agastya said In the Satya Yuga, I used to pray in the forests on the banks of a lake. One day, when the sun was up, I got up to go and have a bath in the lake. I was surprised to see a dead body lying on the bank. The body had not decayed and looked fresh. When I was there, I saw a celestial being descend there, on a chariot, from the skies. There were many apsaras with that being. They all had a bath in the lake and then they devoured the dead body and started to leave.
I asked them why they had come from the heaven to eat a dead body.
The being said I am Daitya, the son of a king called Swarga. When my father died, I became the king. I gave the kingdom to my younger brother and retired to the forest to meditate. I attained heaven but I was very hungry and thirty. I saw Brahma why this was happening.
Brahma said You did not feed the hungry and give water to the thirsty. From now you will be eating your own body and drinking your own blood. The body will not decay and will come whole again when you are gone.
I asked Brahma when I will be relieved of this.
Brahma said Agastya, the sage will meet you. When you give him gifts, you will be relieved.
Today I am glad to see you. I am free now.
Please accepts gifts from me, that will be my salvation.
Saying this, the celestial being gave me all the valuables that he had on his body.
When he did that, the dead body decayed and vanished.
Rama, these are those jewels. Please accept these.

Rama said Do tell me more.

Owl and Vulture

Rama was ruling in Ayodhya. He decided to visit the sage Agastya. There he heard the screams of birds. A vulture and an owl were fighting. The vulture was telling the Owl that it had occupied its next and wanted it to leave. The owl was saying it had been staying there for many days had seen no sign of the vulture. How could the vulture claim the nest as its own?
Seeing Rama, the birds approached him for justice.
Rama asked the vulture since when it had been living there. The vulture said it was there since the beginning of creation.The owl said it was living there since the day the tree, on which the nest was, came there.
Rama said the vulture was to be punished. When the world was created, there was nothing but water. From that, came Brahma, seated on the navel, which rose from the navel of Vishnu. At that time there were no trees. Trees were created after living beings. Thus the vulture was lying.
The Gods said this was not an ordinary vulture. This is a cursed being who would be relieved when killed by you.
Rama touched the vulture which relieved from its curse went heaven wards. 

The Dog and the sage

Lakshmana said to a grieving Rama - It has been seven days and you have been ignoring your kingdom. You will have to suffer hell for this. You will then go the way that king Mriga went.

Long ago the land of Pushkar was ruled by a king called Mrigeshwar. 

The king went to the pilgrim site of Prabhas and there he distributed cows to the brahmans. Among the cows was a cow that belonged to a brahman called Agnivesh. The brahman was meditating and realized that his cow had been given away. He went to the king and saw his cow among the herd of cows. He called out to his cow and cow recognizing him, responded back and came to him. 

The person who had been gifted the cow came running and said the brahman was stealing his cow.

An argument started among the two and the king got to know this. he realized he had unknowling given away a cow which was not his. Not knowing what to do, the king went in hiding.

The two people who were quarreling waited for the king to come. When the king never came, they brahmans cursed the king to turn into an animal.

Rama decided to return back and took over the reigns of the kingdom. The sages came to see Rama and meet him. At that instance, a dog also appeared. The dog was white in color and had been starving. It was limping having hurt a leg and had wounds on its body. Lakshmana asked the dog why it had come there. The dog said It wanted to meet Rama and tell him about his trouble. 

Lakshmana went inside and told Rama about the dog. Rama agreed to see the dog.

The Dog said You are the Lord of the three worlds. 

Rama said You are praising me. Why do you come here, to me?

The dog said it had been beaten by a sage, for no fault of his. Why had the sage struck him?

Rama said justice would be given and ordered the sage to be brought there. 

Rama asked the sage why after having renounced everything, had he hit an animal. 

The sage said The whole day I prayed and in the evening I begged for food. Whatever I got I used to get that to my hut. On the way was this dog who was not leaving my path, so I had to hit it to move it. 

Rama asked the court if they could give justice. The people said the dog was to be punished as the road belonged to no one. 

Rama said he would punish the sage but stopping him from going to the river for his bath. The dog said No, it would be better to give him the kingdom of Kalinja and make him the king.

Everyone laughed listening to this. 

Rama said You wanted justice and needed the sage punished. 

The dog said In my earlier birth I was the king of Kalinja. I was a devotee of Shiva and used to worship a blue Shiva Linga regularly. There was a curse there, and the king when he died would be born as a dog. You think the sage will prosper, but when he dies he will become a dog too. I am relieved as I have seen you. 

Saying this the dog left and then fasted to death, having seen Rama. 

Rama and Sita in the garden

Rama ruled his kingdom. Everyone was happy and there was no illness and famine.
One day he called Bharata. He said to Bharata - I want you to rule the kingdom for sometime. After the battle with Ravana, I am tired and want some rest. I will go to the inner quarters with Sita, leaving you and Shatrughna and Lakshmana to take care of the kingdom.
With folded hands, Bharata said - I have served the kingdom when you were in the forest for fourteen years. There is no fear. Go to the inner quarters and be there as long as you want to.

Happy with Bharata's words, Rama went to the inner quarters. He went where Sita was. HE said I wish to be have a wonderful garden built for you, the king that Ravana had in Lanka. It will have wonderful trees and flowers and I will be there with you.

Brahma hearing this asked Vishwakarma to build a garden for Rama. Vishwakarma went to meet Rama in Ayodhya. He said - Brahma has sent me to build a garden for you.
Taking leave of Rama, he created a wonderful garden, The garden had golden trees. Birds were chirping there. Peacocks danced around. In ponds, lotus bloomed and swans swam around. In the pond were fishes were different color. On the banks were seats at various distances. The garden was lit up always and at any time of the day, it seems as if it was full moon.

Rama entered that garden with Sita. The people in the garden danced and sang and saw to the needs of Rama and Sita. forgetting about the kingdom and the ruling, Rama and Sita were lost in each other, in the garden,
For seven thousand years, Rama and Sita lived in the garden, When the weather was cold, Rama found warmth in Sita's company. When it was hot outside, Rama and Sita found each other's company cooling. Soon Sita was five months pregnant.

Rama asked Sita what she wanted, Sita was quiet. Rama said Sita did not have to be quiet, she could ask for anything, that would be given to her.
Sita said she did not want anything materialistic. She wanted to spend sometime in the company of the sages. She wanted to live and eat with the daughters and wives of the sages.
Rama said he would arrange for her to sent to the ashrama of a sage the next day.

After seven thousand years, Rama and Sita came out of the garden. He sat on the throne and heard people whispering. They were saying things about Sita. Sita was unaware of this and Rama did not want to her either.
Rama asked his subjects what was the matter and all were quiet. A subject called Bhadra decided to speak. With folded hands, he said to Rama -  I will let you know what people have been saying. I am afraid of you and and scared to speak.
Rama asked him to speak freely.
Bhadra said - People have been talking about Sita. They say how could Rama accept a woman who had been taken away by a rakshasa and kept in his house. People are afraid to say anything but they keep whispering among themselves.
Rama was shocked. He asked the others for their opinion.
Seeing Bhadra speak and getting courage, the other people said that what Bhadra had said was true. 

Hanumana shows the name of Rama in his body

All the Gods and their consorts came to see the coronation of Rama. Rama was given many gifts by all. Rama also gave gifts to all who had come to attend the coronation. Rama gave jewels to all. Hanumana was missed. He sat quietly wondering what he had done to deserve this. Sita noticed this. Taking a necklace from her body, she wanted to give it to Hanumana. She looked at Rama. Rama said Give it whom you wish to give.
Sita gave the necklace to Hanumana who wore it and bowed down to Sita. Sita said You will be devoid of sickness and old age. You will be immortal. Till the date the name of Rama is taken, you will live on this earth.
Hanumana took the necklace, looked at it and broke it into pieces. Lakshmana said to Rama, Hanumana does not appreciate the value of the necklace and has destroyed it. Rama said Ask Hanumana the reason for the same.
Hanumana said I accepted this as it something very precious. I do not see the name of Rama anywhere in this, so I have discarded it.
Lakshmana said In that case, you do not have the name of Rama on your body, so why do you keep your body.
Hanumana then with his nails, tore apart his chest. There, in each and every bone of his, the name of Rama was written.
Ashamed, Lakshmana said there is no devotee of Rama greater than you, Hanumana. 

Rama's coronation

Rama stood in the courtyard watching his army. There were millions of them lined up. There were all trying to seat themselves. Rama called Bharata and started pointing out the main people. He said - There you see Sugriva's ward, Angada. He is the son of Vali who Sugriva treats as his own son and has given control over everything. In a corner are the vanaras Gaya, Gabaksha and Gandhamadan. Mahendra and Devendra are in a corner. They are the sons of Gabaksha. Nala Nila are here and so are Susehna and Jambuvana, the wise. This is Hanumana whose strength and valor is beyond comparision. He is the one who went in search of Sita and got the news. He is like my elder brother. Along with him is Vibhishana, brother of Ravana. Listening to his advise, I was able to kill Ravana.

Bharata addressing all said Please be witness. Today I bow down to Rama and request him to take over his kingdom. For years I have looked over the kingdom as a servant of Rama. I am not able to control this huge kingdom. A lion's task cannot be performed by a jackal.

Rama hugged Bharata. He said Your name will be spoken off, for centuries to come. Please arrange for an appropriate time when I can cut off my matted locks.

At the correct time, the barber came and cut off the matted hair of the four brothers. They then had a bath with scented waters. Discarding the bark and old clothes, they put on new clothes.
Sita was bathed and decked by the queen mothers.
All sat down for a meal and Sita came to serve them food.

After food, people came flocking to see Rama.
Sumantra then arranged for a chariot. The four brothers climbed up on the chariot. Bharata took the reins of the horses in his hand. Lakshmana fanned Rama and Shatrughna held an umbrella on Rama's head.

Rama asked for huts to be constructed for the soldiers and generals of the army which was done. Bharata went to Sugriva and told him that Rama would be crowned king the next day. For the coronation, water was needed from the oceans and rivers. Sugriva instructed the vanaras to go and fetch what was needed.

The priests started the procedure. Narada came and started reciting the vedas, along with Vashistha. Rama and Sita went there. They had been fasting. The vanaras fetched water and got that.
Sugriva and Vibhishana bathed Rama and Sita with the waters and Rama was crowned king.

Rama meets Kaikeyi

Kaikeyi was not sure how to react. She had decided that if Rama did not address her, she would kill her self. She created a sweet full of poison and kept it beside her. If Rama did not come to her, she would consume that.
Rama went to see Kaikeyi. She was sitting on the ground. Rama bowed down to her. He said I had to face many hardships, Mother, but with your blessings I was able to overcome them all successfully.
Kaikeyi said You went to the forest as part of your destiny, and the wold blames me for this.
Rama spoke to Kaikeyi and tried to console her. It is not your fault , mother - he said - this was destiny. I was able to kill many rakshasas. I realized the love that Lakshmana has for me. I realized that Sita is pure in heart and soul. It all because of you. I have all learnt how to rule a king.
Kaikeyi was quiet. Rama stayed with Kaikeyi, talking to her. 

Rama meets Kaushalya and Sumitra

Rama went and bowed down at the feet of Vashishtha.
The queens were jubilant. Rama was returning. Kaushalya had been reduced to a skeleton, worrying about Rama. Rama and Sita went to greet the queens. Rama bowed down to Sumitra and Kaushalya and all had tears in their eyes. To Sumitra, Rama said - Please take your dear Lakshmana. It is because of him that I was able to live in the forests. Sumitra said Rama I have a question. Why do I see a scar on Lakshmana's chest?
Rama said - A war had happened in Lanka. Lakshmana killed Indrajit, the son of Ravana. Angered, Ravana had then hit Lakshmana with a spear. When I was not sure what to do and kept crying with Lakshmana's head on my lap, Hanumana went and fetched medicine.
Bharata then asked Rama to wear his slippers. 

Rama stays at Bharadwaj's ashram

Rama said to Sita - I wish to perform the worship of Shiva before reaching Ayodhya.
The chariot came down. A Shiva Linga was constructed with sand. Hanumana fetched flowers and sandalwood  and Rama and Sita performed the worship of Shiva. The spot where Rama performed this worship is known as Rameshwaram.

Showing spots to Sita, Rama said this was where we lived before we crossed the ocean. THat was the spot where we met Vibhishana. There is Kishkindhya where I met Sugriva.

Sita said she recognized the Rishyamukha mountain where she had dropped parts of her clothes and jewels. When I tried to escape, Ravana pulled me by my hair.

Rama said Do not think of that. It is all past. By touching you, Ravana is dead. There you see the ashrama of the sage Matanga. Yonder is a place where we met Kabandha. There is a place where Jatayu died saving you.  There is the hut where we used to live and close by is the place we fought with Khara and Dushana. There is a spot where Surpanakha came and approached us. Nearby is the hut of the sage Sarbhange whose bow and arrows were helpful. There is the river Kunti where I performed the last rites of my father. There is the place where Bharata came to meet me. There close by is the place where my friend Guhaka lives. And close that is Nandigram where Bharata lives. Close to that is the ashrama of sage Bharadwaja.

Rama wanted to visit the sage and the chariot came down.

Bowing down to the sage, Rama said he wanted to meet the sage before proceeding further. He wanted to know how his mothers and brothers were doing, before he entered the city.

The sage said all were well. Bharata was an example to set for all. Having everything, he slept on the ground and wore bark and leaves. On the throne were Rama's slippers which were worshiped.  Bharata would take permission from the slippers before he retired for the night.

The sage then requested Rama to stay with him for a night. He also arranged food for all, by his yogic powers.

When Rama agreed, the sage invoked Vishwakarma, the celestial architect. A palace was created overnight for Rama and the others to stay.
All enjoyed their stay there. Rama then asked Hanumana to inform Bharata and Guhaka about his stay in the ashrama of the sage.

Hanumana leapt upwards. On the way he thought, if met Guhaka in his form, Guhaka may attack him. He decided to appear before Guhaka in a human form.

Hanumana met Guhaka and asked him to go to the ashrama of the sage and meet Rama. Elated, Guhaka started with a troupe of musicians. Guhaka met Rama and was overjoyed to see him. They talked about what Rama had been through.

Hanumana then taking his own form, met to meet Bharata.

Nandigram was a small city well planned and maintained. Everyone was happy there. Bharata ruled from there, praying to Rama's salippers.

Hanumana went to Bharata and introduced himself. Bharata was very happy to see Hanumana. he gave Hanumana many gifts. Bharata wanted to know from Hanumana who were the vanaras with Rama and what was their role. Hanumana told Bharata all that happened till date.

After talking to Hanumana, Bharata sent for Shatrughna.  He said that their days of sorrow were over. Rama had returned. Taking Rama's slippers on his head, Bharata proceeded for the ashrama of sage Bharadwaj along with Shatrughna and Vashishtha.

On his way, Hanumana pointed to Bharata the chariot on which Rama had arrived.

Soon Bharata met Rama. All four brothers hugged each other. Bharata and Shatrughna bowed down at Sita's feet. The chariot then left with all for Ayodhya. 

Rama decides to return to Ayodhya

In the morning, Vibhishana came to Rama. He said  - You have faced many hardships. Let the people serve you. I wish to have you anointed with oils and musk and dressed as a king. I will be sending servants who will be coming to help you.

Rama said I want to Bharata first. Only once I have met Bharata and embraced him, will I agree to your demands. if you want to help me, then do this for me. For fourteen years, I have lived the life of a hermit. I wish to return to Ayodhya. Please arrange for that.

Vibhishana said Kubera has a chariot called Pushpaka. That chariot will take you to Ayodhya in a day.

Rama then asked Vibhishana to help the vanaras to get ready. The oils and musk was given to the vanaras who enjoyed themselves bathing and the decking themselves. They then had choicest foods, which was served to them. The vanaras then went to sleep and served by beautiful women who had been captured by Ravana.

The vanaras in the morning went to Rama and said they wanted the women to leave with them, when they left Lanka. Rama asked Vibhishana to agree to their demands. After all it was because of the vanaras, that he had become king. Vibhishana gladly agreed and gave many gifts to the vanaras along with the women.

The Pushpaka was arranged. Swans were yoked to the chariot. It was huge in city and an entire city could easily fit in it. If needed, it could be extended further. Rama and Sita climbed up on the chariot. Sita covered her face with a cloth. Lakshmana climbed next with his weapons.

Vibhishana, Sugriva and Hanumana wanted to go to Ayodhya and see the coronation of Rama. Rama was overjoyed and said he would be very happy to have them. Rama said, All who wanted to come along should climb up on the chariot.

The vanaras and rakshasas the started climbing up on the chariot. When all were in, the chariot started.

Sita comes out of the fire

While all were crying, Brahma appeared before Rama. He said - Do not grieve. Sita will not be touched by fire. You will soon be united with her. You are Vishnu and Sita is Lakshmi. Please remember that.

Rama said I am born human, and I act like one.

Brahma said - Remember who you are. As the fish, you saved the vedas. As the tortoise you saved the world. As a the boar, you lifted the world on your tusks. As the half lion and half man, you killed Hiranyakashipu, who tormented the whole world. As the dwarf, you tricked Bali in giving away his land, and you became his door man. As Parashurama, you killed off the kshatiyas. Now you are born as Rama, born to kill the rakshasas.

Rama was not listening to this. He kept crying for Sita.

Brahma said - You are Vishnu and Sita is Lakshmi. Why do you keep Lakshmi in the fire?

Rama kept lamenting.

Brahma then said to Agni - Rise and give away Sita to Rama.

Agni came out with Sita in his lap. She was as she had entered the fire, Not one thread of her dress had burnt.
Agni said to Rama - I am witness to all the sins that people commit. Sita is pure.

Agni went away and and the fire went off.

To Rama, Brahma said - Take care of Sita. Do not trouble her. Go back to Ayodhya and rule the land along with your brothers. See, Dashratha has come to see you. Rama, Lakshmana and Sita bowed down to Dashratha.

Dashratha said - I was hurt by Kaikeyi's words. I died not seeing you, Rama. I have seen all that you have done till now. I have forsaken Bharata and Kaikeyi.

Rama said - Bharata is deeply sad and your anger should not be directed towards him.

To Sita, Dashratha said - You have been purified by fire. Please return back to Ayodhya with Rama.
Saying this Dashratha left.

Indra then said to Rama  - Ask for a boon. You have helped us by killing Ravana and many other rakshasas.

Rama said If you want to give me something, then let all the vanaras who died in the war, come back to life. They all left their families and came with me to the forest. I am united with my wife. Why should their wives be sad?

The dead vanaras were brought back to life. Cut limbs became whole again. The dead vanaras, thinking they were in the war, started shouting out for Kumbhakarna and Indrajit. The other vanaras then told them what had happened. The vanaras then went bowed down before Rama and Sita.

Rama said to Indra - I have a question. I saw you sprinkling amrita on the battlefield. There were dead rakshasas also. How is it, they even with the touch of the divine nectar, the rakshasas did not come to life and only the vanaras were revived?
Indra said - The rakshasas were always taking the name of Rama. When they died then too they had the name of Rama on their tongue. They have all reached Vaikuntha. The vanaras were taking the names of the rakshasas all the time.

Taking leave of Rama and Sita, the Gods left.

Vibhishana then erected a wonderful palace of gold with satin and velvet and precious gems studded in the palace. Flowers were strewn everywhere, and the palace smelt heavenly. Seats were made with flowers.
Vibhishana and the vanaras stood guard and Rama and Sita entered the palace.

Rama and Sita spent the night in the palace. 

Mandodari's grief

Mandodari was heart broken. She cried - Please get up My Lord. Lanka is empty. One who slept on royal beds, now sleeps in dust. I have nothing to look forward to. All this happened because you got Sita over. You should not have listened to your sister, Surpanakha.

Vibhishana asked Mandodari to control herself. He said I had asked Ravana to return Sita but he did not listen.

Mandodari, holding Ravana's head in her lap said I want to see that person who killed my lord.

With her clothes flying around, hair unkempt, Mandodari went to have a glimpse of Rama.
She bowed down at the feet of Rama. Rama thinking Sita had come, blessed the queen.

Mandodari said Why do you bless me thus? I am the daughter of the demon Maya. I am Mandodari, who was wedded to Ravana. That Ravana, who had subdued all the Gods. I ma the mother of Indrajit, who had captured Indra. You are blessing me with long life, after my husband is no more. You are Narayana. How could you thus bless me?

Rama said Stop grieving. Ravana is in heaven. You will live long, in hearts of people.

Rama then asked Vibhishana to arrange for the last rites of Ravana.

Ravana was bathed in the waters of the river and sandal paste was applied to his body. He was clad in wonderful clothes. A pyre was placed on the banks of the ocean and Vibhishana had Ravana placed on the pyre.

With tears in his eyes, Vibhishana lit the pyre.

Vibhishana's grief

Gods were celebrating the fall of Ravana. The vanaras rushed to see the great Ravana from close. Sugriva and Vibhishana came to see Ravana. Rama was sad to see the great warrior lying in the dust.
Vibhishana hugged the body of Ravana. With tears in his eyes, he said - Your pride has been the cause of your fall. You did not recognize who Rama was. You got Sita forcibly into Lanka. I asked you to return Sita, but you did not listen. You died and the world will curse me.

Turning to Rama, Vibhishana said - Rama, you please help me. Ravana worshiped Shiva all through his life. When he was dying, Shiva did not look towards him.

Rama said Do not grieve. Ravana is at peace now. Killed by my arrow, Ravana is in heaven.