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.

Vanaras return from North, East and West

Hearing Sugriva take the names of the places, Rama asked him how he knew about all these places. Sugriva said it was the fear of Vali that made him travel in all the three worlds. It was difficult to match Vali's speed, so Sugriva needed a place where he could be safe, Not residing for more than a night, from the fear of Vali, Sugriva thus traveled all over. Remembering that Vali could not come to Rishyamukha, they finally decided to live there.

With nearly a month over, the vanaras from North, West and East started returning with no news of Sita. Rama was disheartened to hear this. Sugriva said, Ravana resided in the south and the best of the vanaras had gone there. Hanumana who was strong and wise had travelled south, along with Angada.