[Pramāṇa](https://indike.org/pramana/) › [Studies](https://indike.org/pramana/ins) › [Reference works](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference) › [Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975) › c9.137 # Puranic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Puranic Literature c9.137 Purāṇic Encyclopaedia: A Comprehensive Dictionary with Special Reference to the Epic and Purāṇic Literature c9.137 - **Language:** English ### [c9.137](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.137) 11) \*Death of Daśaratha and Bharata’s decision.\* As soon as Sumantra, who had accompanied Rāma and others returned to Ayodhyā, Daśaratha expired on account of unbearable grief caused by Rāma’s exile. Messengers brought to Ayodhyā Bharata and Śatrughna from Kekaya where they were put up with their uncle Yudhājit at the time of their father’s death. But, they were kept in the dark of all that had happened in their absence till their arrival at the palace. Bharata, who heard of everything from his mother was greatly upset and got ready to go to Rāma in the forest. Śatrughna too got ready to accompany him. Arundhatī and Vasiṣṭha in a chariot in the fore-front, Kausalyā and Sumitrā in another chariot just behind the first one, Bharata and Śatrughna behind them—in this manner the great journey into the forest started. Leaving all others behind him, Bharata went forward and prostrated before Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa at Citrakūṭa. Śrī Rāma broke into tears on hearing about the death of their father. But in spite of Bharata’s pressing request Rāma refused to return to Ayodhyā. At last Bharata yielded to Rāma’s injunction and returned to Ayodhyā with the latter’s sandals. But he did not enter the palace; instead he built an āśrama at Nandigrāma and worshipping Rāma’s sandals lived there. - [Previous: c9.136](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.136) - [Next: c9.138](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.138) - [Up: c9](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9) --- Source: [https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.137](https://indike.org/pramana/ins.reference.mani-1975.c9.137) · Pramāṇa