95. Mandākinī River [Rāma then takes Sītā, near the river Mandākinī and shows her round the pretty scenes. He says that this place is better than Ayodhyā.] Afterwards getting down from the mountain, Rāma showed Sītā the charming auspicious water of river Mandākinī. 95.1 The lotus eyed Rāma told the broad hipped daughter of king of Videha who had a

96. Lakṣmaṇa sees Bhārata's Army [There was a great disturbance in the forest because of the sound created by marching army. Lakṣmaṇa finds out that it is due to Bhārata's army. He gets agitated thinking that Bhārata is coming to kill them.] Having shown Sītā, the princess of Mithilā the river and the mountain and gratifying her with meat, Rāma

97. Bhārata's Intention [Rāma tells Lakṣmaṇa that Bhārata has come there to take them back to Ayodhyā. Since the white flag of their father is not seen they conclude that their father has not come.] After that Rāma pacified the son of Sumitrā who was outrageously angry and greatly agitated and told him the following. 97.1 "When the very intelligent

98. Bhārata Identifies Rāma's Hut [Methodically Bhārata searches for the residence of Rāma and after great search spots a hut from which smoke is coming out. He concludes that it is Rāma's residence and goes towards it with Guha.] That Bhārata, the best among those who walk with two feet, after encamping his army, as per what he has been

99. Bhārata Meets Rāma [Bhārata first identifies the hut by several symbols and then sees Rāma with a matted hair and wearing bark cloths sitting. He crying salutes him. Rāma hugs him and Śatrughna with love.] After encamping the army, Bhārata showed the way to Śatrughna and eagerly went to see his brother. 99.1 Bhārata who respects elders requested sage

100. Rāma Enquires about Ayodhyā [Rāma enquires about various aspects of the kingdom. These also teach how to rule the kingdom.] Seeing Rāma with matted locks and dressed in cloths of bark, Bhārata fell on the ground in salutation and like the Sun at the time deluge, it was impossible to see him. 100.1 Rāma with great difficulty recognized, his

101. Bhārata tells about Daśaratha's Death [Bhārata tells Rāma that according to Dharma, he is not fit to rule and asks him to return. He also tells him about the death of Daśaratha, their father.] After hearing the words of Rāma, Bhārata replied, "When I am bereft of Dharma, how am I concerned with royal Dharma?" 101.1 "Oh best of

102. Rāma offers Oblation [Rāma along with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa went to Mandākinī river and offered water oblations. Then he offered Piṇḍa to his father using a fruit cake and juice. When all of them were crying, many of the people in army rushed there and consoled Rāma.] Hearing these words of anguish, uttered by Bhārata relating to the death

103. Kauśalya and others Meet Rāma [Kauśalya and other mothers of Rāma along with Vasiṣṭha went to meet Rāma. On the way they see the piṇḍa made of Ingudi cake. Kauśalya is upset and then all of them go and meet Rāma. Rāma, Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa salute them.] The wives of Daśaratha followed by sage Vasiṣṭha on foot with an