I have a confusion on whether Rama stopped the Pushpaka Vimana at Nandigrama itself to meet Bharata. If yes, then how Rama and Sita reached Ayodhya from Nandigrama?
1 Answer
"Did Rama stop the aerial car at Nandigrama itself to meet Bharata?"
YES
Rama stopped the Pushpaka Vimana at Nandigrama itself to meet Bharata.
I'm directly quoting from the Summary of the ValmikiRamayana Page:
Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa:Book VI : Yuddha Kanda, Chapter [Sarga] 127,
Verses 1 - 24
Bharata, after hearing the good news from Hanuma about the arrival of Rama, calls Shatrughna and commands him to make appropriate arrangements for the reception of Rama in the City of Ayodhya. Bharata departs with all others, for Nandigrama to receive Rama. The aerial car lands at Nandigrama. Bharata welcomes Rama and others, by embracing them and by greeting them joyously. Rama too offers his salutations to all his mothers, who come to receive him. Then, Bharata brings Rama's wooden sandals and places them below the feet of Rama. Rama commands Pushpaka, the aerial car to return to Kubera, the lord of riches to whom it originally belonged.
Further,
"If yes, then how Rama and Sita reached Ayodhya from Nandigrama?"
They reached the palace seated on their royal Chariots.
Chapter [Sarga] 128
- The faultless Rama, mounting the excellent chariot, as Indra ascended the chariot yoked to green-coloured horses, sallied forth to the city.
- Bharata took up the reins. Shatrughna held the parasol on Rama's head. Lakshmana winnowed a fan. Vibhishana, the king of demons standing nearby, held a white fan, shining brilliantly like the moon.
...
- Then, the people of Ayodhya saw Rama, the chariot warrior, having a beautiful form, arriving on a chariot, with attendants walking in front.
