The forests echoed with the trumpeting of celestial elephants, their calls resounding through the groves. The land itself, like a beloved woman not yet adorned with jewels, shone with a natural beauty, unembellished yet radiant. Everywhere, fruits, flowers, and tender shoots flourished, thickets teemed with birds, and the waters harbored porpoises, crocodiles, and serpents. This was the divine Ganga, sprung from the very feet of Vishnu, pure and the destroyer of sin, who had fallen from the matted locks of Shankara and now blazed with the radiance of the ocean. As Rama, mighty-armed and noble, approached the sacred Ganga—the queen of rivers—her banks resounded with the cries of cranes and waterfowl. Drawing near to the city of Shringibera, Rama beheld the river swirling with waves and eddies, and said to Sumantra, his charioteer, “Let us stay here tonight.” He pointed to a great ingudi tree, not far from the river, abundant with flowers and leaves. “Let us rest here, charioteer,” he said. “We will behold the best of rivers, the sacred Ganga, honored by all, whose waters are revered by gods, demons, gandharvas, beasts, humans, and birds alike.” Lakshmana and Sumantra agreed, and led the horses to the shade of the ingudi tree. Rama, the joy of the Ikshvaku line, approached the lovely tree and, together with Sita and Lakshmana, descended from the chariot. Sumantra, too, dismounted, unyoked the noble horses, and, with hands joined in reverence, stood near Rama, who had seated himself at the tree’s foot. At that moment, Guha, the king of the Nishadas—a friend of Rama, renowned and strong—approached. Hearing that Rama, the tiger among men, had entered his land, Guha gathered his aged ministers and kinsmen and came forth. Seeing the king of the Nishadas standing at a distance, Rama, with Lakshmana, went to meet him. Guha, deeply moved, embraced Rama and said, “This land is yours as much as Ayodhya, Rama. What can I do for you?” He continued, “Who could hope for such a beloved guest as you? I have brought excellent food and drink, water for washing, and all you may need.” Guha welcomed Rama warmly: “Welcome, mighty-armed one! This land is yours. We are your servants, and you are our lord. Rule our kingdom as you see fit. Here are foods to eat and enjoy, drinks to taste, the finest beds, and fodder for your horses.” To these words, Rama replied, “You have honored us in every way—by coming to us on foot and with your affectionate welcome.” Embracing Guha, Rama said, “It is by good fortune, Guha, that I see you safe and well with your relatives. Is all well with your kingdom, your friends, and your wealth? As for your kindness, I accept your hospitality, but I do not take gifts. Know me as one who wears grass, bark, and deerskin, who lives on fruits and roots, devoted to righteousness, dwelling in the forest like an ascetic. I require only fodder for the horses. This alone will honor me here, for these horses are dear to my father, King Dasharatha. By caring for them, I will feel honored.” Guha immediately ordered his men to bring water and fodder for the horses. Rama, wearing an upper garment of bark, performed the evening twilight rites facing west, and took only water for his meal, brought by Lakshmana. When Rama lay down on the ground, Lakshmana washed his feet and, together with Sita, stood nearby beneath the tree. Guha, too, with his charioteer, conversed with Lakshmana and, remaining vigilant and armed with his bow, stayed awake to guard Rama. Thus, as Rama—the wise and illustrious son of Dasharatha, unacquainted with suffering and accustomed to comfort—lay on the ground, the long night slowly passed. Now, listen to the next part of the sacred Ayodhya Kanda of the glorious Valmiki Ramayana. Guha, tormented by sorrow for his friend and brother, spoke to Rama, who was awake and pure-hearted, and to Lakshmana: “Dear prince, this comfortable bed has been prepared for you; rest well upon it as you wish, and take comfort here. All these people are accustomed to hardship, but you are suited for comfort. We will remain awake through the night to guard you, descendant of Kakutstha. Truly, there is no one on earth dearer to me than Rama; I say this truthfully, and I swear by truth itself. By your favor, I hope to gain great fame in this world, to attain abundant righteousness, and to acquire pure prosperity. Therefore, I will protect my dear friend Rama, as he lies here with Sita, holding my bow in hand, together with my kinsmen, on all sides. There is nothing unknown to me in this forest—I always roam here. Even if a great fourfold army came, we could overcome it.” Lakshmana replied, “O faultless one, since we are being protected by you, we have no fear here; we see only righteousness. How could I find sleep, or even life or happiness, while the two sons of Dasharatha lie on the ground with Sita? He whom neither gods nor asuras could overpower in battle—see him now, lying comfortably on grass with Sita.” And thus, through the night, Guha and his companions remained awake and vigilant, honoring and guarding Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana as they rested beneath the great ingudi tree by the sacred Ganga.