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and Iśāna, and set forth. Attended by the younger brother of Rāvaṇa, Sugrīva, Bhāmandala, and other kings, they went to Ayodhyā in a moment. Bharata and his younger brother saw them from afar as they came in Puspaka and went to meet them, mounted on an elephant.
At Bharata's approach Puṣpaka descended to the earth at Rama's command, like Pālaka at Pākaśāsana's command. Bharata and his brother dismounted from the elephant first and Rama and Lakṣmaṇa eagerly descended from Puspaka. Rāma embraced Bharata who had fallen, weeping, at his feet, made him stand up, kissing him on the head again and again. The chief of the Raghus raised Satrughna also who was prostrate at his feet, dusted him with his own garment, and embraced him. Then Laksmaņa, his arms stretched out, embraced closely and ardently Bharata and Satrughna who were bowing to him.
Rāma got into Puspaka with his three younger brothers and gave orders for the entrance into Ayodhyā, speed having been made. Musical instruments being played on earth and in the sky, Rama and Saumitri entered their own city, Ayodhyā, joyfully. Watched by the people, eager, with uplifted faces, with unwinking eyes, like clouds watched by peacocks, and praised ardently, received like the sun with respectful presents offered by the citizens at every step, Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa went to their own palace with gracious countenances.
Rāma, rejoicing the heart of his friends, descended from Puspaka with Saumitri and went to the mothers' dwelling. Rāma bowed to Queen Aparajitā and the group of other mothers and with Saumitri was wished prosperity by their blessings. Then Sītā, Visalya, and the others bowed to Aparājitā and the mothers-in-law, their hair being put at their lotus-feet. "May you, like us, be bearers of excellent heroes by our blessing" the mothersin-law prayed aloud.
CHAPTER EIGHT
Queen Aparajitā, touching Lakṣmaṇa with her hand again and again. and kissing his head, said: "By good
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