Bharathi’s aunt came to the rescue of the young destitute child. She took him with her to Benares. At Benares, Bharathi lived for four years. He learnt Hindi and Sanskrit. He also had a wide exposure to the social and national issues during that period. He started wearing his distinctive coat and turban and moustache. At the request of the Chieftain of Ettayapuram he returned to work at the royal court of Ettayapuram. But the court life did not please Bharathi. So he gave it up and went to Madurai to work as a teacher.