Chapter IV - Rama’s return from pilgrimage

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Rama strewn over with handfuls of flowers by the citizens (surrounding him) entered the palace, as when the beauteous Jayanta (son of Indra) enters his celestial abode.

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On his first arrival he bent himself in reverence before his father, before Vasishtha, before his brothers, his friends, the Brahmanas and the elderly members of the family.

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Repeatedly embraced as he was by friends, by his father, mothers and by the Brahmanas, the son of Raghu bowed down his head to them with joy.

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The assembled people after their familiar conversation with Rama in the palace, strolled about on all sides highly delighted with his speech, resembling the music of a flute.

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Thus eight days were passed in festive mirth consequent to the arrival of Rama, and shouts of joy were sent forth by the elated multitude.

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Thenceforth Raghava continued to dwell happily at home, with relating to his friends, the different customs and manners of the countries (he visited) on all sides.

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He rose early in the morning and performed his morning service according to law. He then visited his father seated as Indra in his Council.

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He next passed a fourth part of the day in company with Vasishtha and other sages, and was greatly edified by their conversations which were full of instruction.

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He used also to go out for sport under orders of his father; and surrounded by a large number of troops, to forests full of (wild) boars and buffaloes.

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Then after returning home and performing his bath and other rites with his friends, he took his meal with them, and passed the night in company with his beloved companions.

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In these and similar practices did he pass his days with his brothers at his father's house, after his return from the pilgrimage.

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Oh sinless (Bharadwaja), with his conduct becoming a prince, Rama passed his days with giving delight to the good men that surrounded him, in the manner of the moon that gladdens mankind with his soothing ambrosial beams.