BACK TO AYODHYA

Now the fourteen years of exile were over. Rama, Sita and Lakshmana prepared to return to Ayodhya.

While Rama, Sita and Lakshmana came on an air chariot called Pushpak Viman, Hanuman flew ahead to inform Bharata of their return.

The delighted people of Ayodhya cleaned their houses and decorated the city.

Rama was to return on Amavasya, a dark moonless night. So the citizens lit earthen lamps everywhere in the kingdom.

As the Pushpak Viman landed, all the citizens were delighted to see th Ayodhya princes and Sita. Tears of joy streamed down Bharata's eyes when he asw them. He touched Rama's feet, and Rama lovingly embraced him.

all the four brother warmly embraced each other.  Then Rama, Sita and Lakshmana met their three mothers and touched their feet in respect.

Kaushalya, Sumatra and Kekai cried with happiness when they saw them.  Kekai apologized to Rama for what she had done. Rama said, "Don't apologies, Mother Kekai. You are nit to be blamed for what happened. I had to go the forest for Ravana was destined to be killed by me." 

When Rama, Lakshmana and Sita had changed into their royal clothes, Bharata said into their royal clothes, Bharata said to Rama, "Respected Brother, now that you have fulfilled father's promise and completed the fourteen years of exile, please take over as the king of Ayodhya. I have only ruled on your behalf till now. Only you are the true king of Ayodhya."

Pleased with Bharata's words, Rama agreed because he knew that it was his father's wish that he should be the ruler of Ayodhya after him.

All the people of Ayodhya rejoiced when they heard the news of Rama's coronation.

Arrangements were made for the coronation ceremony. Ayodhya was lighted and decorated again, and the poor were fed food and given clothes and money. It was a grand ceremony. Rama sat with the chaste Sita on a golden throne and was crowned the King of Ayodhya.

With Rama's coronation, the dark days of Ayodhya were over. Rama's reign, called the RamaRajya, is said to be the reign of prosperity, peace, justice and righteousness.