Valmiki says that Rama reached the Ashram of Bhardwaja after the completion of fourteen years and the day was Panchami or the fifth lunar day. There could be some significance in giving this detail. Rama paid his respects to the Rishi and asked him if he had good news from Ayodhya. Bhardwaja told Rama that all was well. He said “Bharata with your two Padukas in front of him is awaiting your return eagerly. All are well in the palace too. I was unhappy to see you when you first came here as a hermit sacrificing the kingdom. But now I am very happy to see you returning to Ayodhya after accomplishing a great deed”. Bhardwaja said that thanks to the power he had acquired by penance he knew every detail of what had happened during Rama’s life in the forest. He knew about Sita being taken away stealthily by Ravana and about Mareecha. He was aware of Rama’s meeting with Sugreeva, his killing of Vali, and Hanuman going to Lanka and finding Sita there. Bharadwaja said that he knew how Rama killed Ravana and got back Sita. He said “My disciples frequently go to Ayodhya and they bring me the news from there too. I am so pleased that I wish to grant you a boon so ask me anything”. Rama thanked him and prayed that all the trees in Ayodhya bear flowers and fruits even though it was not the season. Bhardwaja granted the same and immediately they saw nature in full bloom and the Vanaras fed themselves with fruits to their heart’s content. Rama asked for this boon only to please the Vanaras, which illustrates his kindness and thoughtfulness.
In the next chapter, We'll see Rama sends Hanuman to Bharata.
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