The brothers took affectionate leave on one another. Bharata returned to Ayodhaya. He placed rama's sandals on the throne, and held over them the white umbrella. Then he addressed the royal counsellors, saying: " I shall dwell outside the city until Rama, my elder brother, who is your rightful king and mine, returns from exile in the darksome forest."Bharata dressed himself in the garments of an ascetic and retired to the jungle, where he conducted the affairs of the state as prince Regent. Rama's sandals remained on the throne. They were the symbol of royal authority at Ayodhya.