He prostrated before his elder brother Bharatha and said, "Kindly pardon me, brother. I did wrong to fight with you. I also put you to shame. I do not want this kingdom. Let it be yours. I shall go away to perform tapas, and wash off my sins. Please permit me."

Bharatha's desire to be the emperor, his anger and his obduracy - all evaporated.

He saw the nobility of his brother and he was filled with pain that he was going away to perform tapas. Tears rolled down his eyes and he raised his prostrating brother, and said, "Brother, I have sinned. Because of my pride and rashness, all the other brothers went away to perform tapas. If you also now go away, who will be with me? You are the only brother left to me. How can I live if you also go away? What do I do with this kingdom? I beg of you, do not go away from me." He held Bahubali's hands and implored him.

But Bahubali's mind was unmoved, in spite of the entreaties of many. He renounced everything and went to perform tapas.

Bahubali went to Vrishabhanatha and got initiated for tapas. He gave up even his clothing and stood completely naked in rigorous meditation. Many days rolled by. But he did not move from where he stood. He had no food or sleep. Big anthills grew around him and covered his entire body. Snakes crawled all over him. Various creepers entwined his limbs. Birds made their nests in the creepers. Bahubali's hair became matted. But Bahubali did not flinch. He stood firm, his naked body exposed to storm and rain, to lightning and thunder. With a will of iron he continued his severe meditation.