As dawn broke on the banks of the sacred Ganga, Guha, the devoted friend of Rāma and king of the Nishādas, approached Bharata with warmth and concern. He asked, “O Kākutstha, did you spend the night comfortably on the riverbank? Is everything well with you and your entire army?” Guha’s words were gentle, spoken with heartfelt affection. Bharata, ever obedient to Rāma and respectful to those around him, listened to Guha’s inquiry and replied with humility, “O king, our night was indeed comfortable, and we were honored by your hospitality. Now, I request that your boatmen ferry us across the Ganges with many boats, so that our entire party may cross safely.” Hearing Bharata’s request, Guha hurried back into the city and summoned his kinsmen with urgency and blessing: “Rise up, awaken, may you always be blessed! Gather the boats together, for we must ferry the army across.” At the king’s command, the people quickly rose and, with great energy, assembled five hundred boats from all directions. Among these vessels, some were adorned with the auspicious svastika mark, hung with great bells, splendid flags, and fitted with sturdy sails. They were well-built and ready for the task. Guha then brought forward a beautiful boat, marked with the svastika, draped with pale blankets, and accompanied by the sound of auspicious drums. Into this boat stepped Bharata and the mighty Śatrughna. Following them came Kausalyā, Sumitrā, and the other royal women, led by the chief priest. The elders and Brāhmaṇas proceeded, followed by the royal wives, their carts, and shops. As fires were lit for the camps and the people began the river crossing, the clamor of those carrying their goods rose up, echoing to the very heavens. The flagged boats, manned by skilled boatmen, swiftly ferried the people across the river. Some boats carried women, others horses, and still others transported great wealth and vehicles. Upon reaching the far shore, the boatmen and their kin began organizing everything with bamboo poles, ensuring a smooth landing. The elephants, adorned with victory banners, crossed the river as well, urged on by their riders and shining like mountains crowned with flags. Some crossed in boats, others on rafts; some floated on water jars, while others swam across with their strong arms. In this way, the virtuous army crossed the Ganga by various means and, at an auspicious hour, proceeded toward the excellent forest of Prayaga. Once the troops were settled and comforted, the noble Bharata, accompanied by the priests, set out to visit the eminent sage Bharadvāja. He approached the hermitage of the great Brahmin, priest of the gods, and beheld the beautiful grove of huts and trees in the splendid forest belonging to that distinguished sage. Thus ends the eighty-ninth chapter of the glorious Ayodhya Book in the sacred, original poem, the Ramayana of Valmiki. As they neared Bharadvāja’s hermitage, Bharata, the foremost among men, stationed all his troops at a distance and advanced with his ministers. True to the path of righteousness, he went on foot, setting aside his weapons and armor, dressed in fine garments, with the chief priest leading the way. For the audience with Bharadvāja, Bharata respectfully placed his ministers in their proper places and walked behind the chief priest. When the great ascetic Bharadvāja saw Vasiṣṭha approaching, he quickly rose from his seat and instructed his disciples to bring offerings. In the company of Vasiṣṭha, Bharata and the others were received with due honor. Bharadvāja offered them water for washing their feet and presented fruits in the proper order. The righteous sage then inquired about the well-being of their families. Knowing the conduct of King Daśaratha, Bharadvāja asked about the army, the treasury, the friends, and the ministers in Ayodhya, though he did not mention the king himself. In turn, Vasiṣṭha and Bharata asked after the sage’s health, the welfare of his sacred fires, his trees, his disciples, and the well-being of the wild animals and birds in his care. Having exchanged these courtesies, the great ascetic Bharadvāja, bound by affection for Raghava, addressed Bharata. “What purpose brings you here, while you govern the kingdom? Tell me everything, for my mind is not at ease. Kausalyā gave birth to the destroyer of enemies, the bringer of joy, who, with his brother and wife, has long been exiled to the forest. He, of great fame, was ordered by his father—who was influenced by a woman—to live in the forest here for fourteen years. Surely you do not wish to commit wrong against that innocent one, desiring to enjoy the kingdom without obstacles, along with his younger brother?” Hearing these words, Bharata’s eyes filled with tears, and his voice was choked with emotion as he replied, “I am ruined if even the revered one thinks of me in this way. Do not suspect any fault in me, nor admonish me so. My mother did not wish for what was spoken in my absence; I do not approve of it, nor do I accept those words. I have come to that tiger among men, seeking his favor, to bring him back to Ayodhya and to bow at his feet. Please, revered one, show me kindness and tell me—where is Rāma, the lord of the earth, at present?” Then, urged by Vasiṣṭha and the other priests, the revered sage Bharadvāja spoke kindly to Bharata. “This conduct befits you, O tiger among men, descendant of Raghu: reverence for elders, self-restraint, and following the virtuous. I know this is firmly established in your mind. I questioned you so extensively only to further enhance your renown.” Thus, with hearts open and intentions made clear, the meeting between Bharata and the great sage was filled with righteousness, humility, and the hope for Rāma’s return.