After the death of Ravana, Rama's dead father, Dasaratha, appeared to him in a dream.

"Now I am filled with great joy," he said. "You have undone all the evil that Kaikeyi made out of my promise and brought it to a happy conclusion. Now I can truly rest in heaven."

The gods advised Rama that the end of his fourteen year exile was approaching and that he should return to his kingdom.

"The faithful Bharatha is still waiting for you," they said. "If you do not arrive on time he will think that you are dead, and then he will end his own life also."

Rama turned to Vibishana and said, "I must leave you at once and return to Ayodhya. I must go as quickly as possible. Is there any way for me to get to Ayodhya within a day?"

"Yes," replied Vibishana. "There is a magic chariot that can take you there as soon as you wish."

Immediately the chariot was brought forward and Rama and Sita climbed in. When Vibishana, Sugreeva and many others were also in the chariot, they were swept away up into the sky. They saw the landmarks of Rama's adventures and battles. As they approached Kiskindha, Sita made a request.

"Let me invite the wives of the monkeys to come with us to Ayodhya." It was done. The chariot touched down and took aboard thousands. Before proceeding on its way, Rama took the oppotunity to send Hanuman on ahead to warn Bharatha.

Meanwhile at a village outside Ayodhya, Bharatha was counting the hours until the fourteenth year of exile would be completed. Still there was no sign of Rama and Bharatha looked sadly at Rama's sandals, still waiting for him on the throne.

"The time is finished," he said. "Rama is not going to come. I promised to wait for fourteen years, and now I am worn down by the burden of ruling. I am tired of waiting, and tired of life itself. My brother Sathrugna must take my place."

Fortunately before Bharatha had time to harm himself, Hanuman arrived, disguised as a young man, with a message from Rama. At first Bharatha would not believe him, but Hanuman threw off his disguise and returned for a few moments to his true gigantic size. Bharatha jumped for joy and hugged Hanuman, showering him with gifts.

"Now tell the people of Ayodhya that Rama will soon be here," said Hanuman. "Let them decorate the streets and the buildings and be ready to welcome him."

Soon Rama's chariot arrived and his mother and stepmothers came forward joyfully to greet him. When they had laughed and wept together for some time, Rama and Sita bathed and put on fine new clothes and were ready to enter Ayodhya.

The streets were filled with happy, excited people. Houses were hung were flowers and the sounds of laughter and music filled the air. At every window, a diva shone to welcome home Prince Rama and his lovely wife, Sita.

In a few days Rama was crowned as king with Sita at his side. He had driven away the forces of evil which troubled the world, and now he was surrounded by his family and friends. Rama distributed gifts to all his people.

Sita looking kindly on Hanuman, unclasped her pearl necklace. She hesitated, looking shyly at her husband. Rama understood. "Give it to the one who has pleased you best, " he said, and she placed it around Hanuman's neck.

Hanuman devoted his life to Rama and Sita ever afterwards and whenever the story of Rama is told, Hanuman will be there.

During Rama's rule there was no hunger, crime or disease. People lived long, the earth was abundant, society prospered and all were dedicated to truth. For his people, Rama was everything and he ruled them for eleven thousand years.

Whoever hears this Ramayana every day is freed from all sins. Those who listen with patience will overcome all difficulties and attain long life, and those away from home will be re-united with their loved ones. Know that Rama is none other than the orginal Lord Vishnu, source of all the worlds, and Sita is his eternal wife, the goddess Lakshmi.