Shatashloki 97: Rama, who is absolutely sinless and pure, reached Nandigrama and met his brothers.

Meaning of the hymn- Rama, who is absolutely sinless and pure, reached
Nandigrama and met his brothers. All the brothers gave up the ascetic way of living
and changed into princely robes. Rama returned to Ayodhya and resumed His life as
a householder. He got back His kingdom.

Hanuman who was assigned with the duty of finding out the mental perceptions of
Bharata, assumed a human form. He at first approached Guha at Sringiberapuram
and said, “Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana are all doing fine. Together with Seeta and
Lakshmana, Rama has arrived at the hermitage of Sage Bharadwaja”. He thus
brought joy to Guha.

From Sringiberapuram, Hanuman flew towards Nandigrama. On the way he passed
by many exquisite flower gardens that resembled the celestial gardens of Indra and
Kubera. He arrived at Nandigrama and observed that Bharata was wearing robes of
bark and he had matted his hair exactly in a manner as worn by Rama. He also
noticed that akin to Rama‟s body, Bharata‟s body was also coated with dust and dirt
and that he was looking emaciated. Shatrughna the youngest brother was also
dressed similarly. Hanuman was amazed to see all this love that was being shown by
Bharata towards his brother.

He approached Bharata, offered his respects and said, “O Lord, Rama seeks to know
about your well-being. Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana are all safe and are doing well”.
Bharata who heard these auspicious words about Rama, immediately embraced
Hanuman in total elation. He was eager to know more details about his brother.
Hanuman then narrated all the events that had taken place in Rama‟s life during the
period of exile. He also informed that Rama was on his way to Ayodhya.

The news of Rama‟s return brought untold joy & bliss to Bharata. Straight away he
called Shatrughna and issued instructions that the entire city should be appropriately
decorated with sweet smelling flower garlands in a manner befitting to receive Rama.
He further commanded that musicians who render auspicious music and Brahmins
who offer worship be brought so that Rama could be welcomed appropriately. The
pathways should all be cleaned and readied.

“Let us all proceed right away to welcome Rama” said Bharata in great jubilation.

Without wasting any time, Shatrughna ensured that all the appropriate
arrangements were duly completed. The news of Rama‟s arrival spread like a wildfire
across the entire city. People thronged the streets in their eagerness to receive
Rama. It was as if the entire city was proceeding towards Nandigrama. The entire
city wore a festive look. There was joy everywhere. Auspicious music filled the air.

Bharata reverentially placed Rama‟s sandals upon his head and proceeded to receive
his elder brother. All the citizens followed him. Bharata was fervently and impatiently
awaiting Rama‟s arrival. In a short while, Hanuman pointed towards the Pushpaka
vimana that was approaching them in the sky and said, “Look, here comes Rama”.
Loud welcome shouts and slogans from all the citizens filled the air. Bharata was
ecstatic. The aircraft landed and Rama disembarked and stood on the ground.
Bharata offered his shastanga namaskara (obeisance) to Rama‟s feet and welcomed
him in an apt manner. Rama lovingly embraced Bharata. Bharata then offered
shastanga namaskara to Mother Seeta. He embraced Lakshmana. Shatrughna too
prostrated to Rama, Seeta and Lakshmana.

Rama offered his obeisance to all his mothers and to the other respected elders.
Bharata brought the padukas (sandals) and placed them reverentially below Rama‟s
feet and said that he was returning back to Rama the kingdom that he had held as a
custodian.

Rama then asked Bharata and all others to board the Pushpaka Vimana and all of
them proceeded to Nandigrama. Upon reaching Nandigrama Rama said to the
celestial aircraft Pushpaka Vimana, “O Vimana, you now return to Kubera and remain
as his vehicle”.

The 4 brothers changed their attire and after the auspicious bath, they donned the
attire that was suitable for kings. Now Rama boarded the chariot. Shatrughna held
the umbrella for Rama while Bharata himself took up the reins and drove the chariot.
Lakshmana stood in front of Rama and fanned him. With the other hand he held the
vinchamara (white hand fan). Rama stepped into Ayodhya. Celestial chamaras and
rishis, who were flying in the air sang hymns praising Rama, which was audible to all
the citizens of Ayodhya. Sugriva boarded an elephant and followed Rama.

Rama and Seeta were welcomed back into Ayodhya with the blowing of conches, the
rendition of auspicious music and songs & dance by the citizens. Rama shone in all
splendour. Rama entered the palace and offered his obeisance to His mothers.

In this manner, Rama got back His kingdom.