He saw the mountain but failed to identify the herb; so he lost no time in tearing the mountain up by the roots. With the mountain in his grasp, Hanuman darted through the night air and passed over the city of Ayodhya.

Bharata saw a huge shape coursing through the air and thinking it to be a demon, drew the bowstring to his ear and struck him with a headless arrow.

Struck by Bharata’s dart, Hanuman dropped unconscious to the ground, muttering ‘Rama, Rama, Raghupati!’ When Bharata heard these beloved words, he rushed and came posthaste to the monkey.

Seeing Hanuman in pain, he clasped him to his bosom and tried in every way to arouse him, but all in vain. With a disconsolate face and sorrowing heart he spoke these words, while his eyes streamed with tears:

‘The Providence who alienated me from Rama has also inflicted this terrible suffering on me. If in thought and word and deed I cherish sincere devotion to Rama’s lotus feet,

and if Raghunatha is graciously inclined towards me, may this monkey be relieved of all his weariness and pain.’ As soon as he heard these words, Hanuman arose and sat up, crying, ‘Glory, all glory to the lord of Kosala!’

With a thrill of joy running through his body and tears welling up in his eyes, Bharata clasped Hanuman to his bosom; his heart could scarce contain his affection at the very thought of Rama, the glory of the house of Raghu.