As the great Bharata approached with his vast army toward Chitrakuta, Rama spoke gently to Lakshmana. He cautioned him, “Let Bharata not be addressed harshly or with unpleasant words by you; if anything disagreeable must be said, let it be spoken by me.” Rama then reflected, “How could sons ever harm their father in any calamity, or a brother harm his own brother, O Saumitri, who is as dear as one’s own life?” Rama continued, “If your words are prompted by concern for the kingdom, then, when I see Bharata, I will tell him, ‘Let the kingdom be given to him.’ Even if I say this truthfully to Bharata, O Lakshmana, ‘Let the kingdom be given to him,’ he will surely reply, ‘So be it.’” Hearing Rama’s righteous intentions, Lakshmana, feeling ashamed, seemed to shrink into himself. Lakshmana, abashed, replied, “I think it is our father, Dasharatha himself, who has come to see you.” Observing Lakshmana’s embarrassment, Rama responded, “I believe this mighty-armed one has come here to see us. Or perhaps, thinking that we, accustomed to comfort, are not suited for the forest, he will certainly take us back home. Or perhaps my illustrious father, Raghava, will take Vaidehi, who is used to utmost comfort, from the forest and return.” As they watched, Rama pointed out, “Those two splendid, well-bred, and delightful horses are visible, O hero, swift as the wind, the best of fast steeds. That great-bodied elephant at the head of the army is Shatrunjaya by name, aged, belonging to my wise father.” Yet Rama noted with uncertainty, “But I do not see that white parasol, honored by the world, my father’s divine one, O mighty-armed; this causes me doubt here.” As the brothers joined together, Lakshmana, victorious in battle, descended from the hall and stood beside Rama with joined palms. By Bharata’s command, the army set up camp all around the mountain, so that there would be no confusion. The army of the Ikshvakus, filled with elephants, horses, and chariots, occupied one and a half yojanas along the side of Chitrakuta. That army, led by wise Bharata, setting aside pride and upholding righteousness, shone brightly on Chitrakuta, seeking to please the descendant of Raghu. Thus ended the ninety-seventh sarga of the Ayodhya Kanda in the glorious Ramayana, the first poem, composed by the sage Valmiki. Having stationed the army, Bharata, mighty and best among those who walk on foot, set out to approach Kakutstha (Rama), following the path of his elders. When the army was settled in its proper place, Bharata spoke to his brother Shatrughna, “Dear one, you should quickly search this forest in all directions with these men and hunters. Let Guha, armed with bow, arrows, and sword, search for Kakutstha here, accompanied by his thousand kinsmen. I myself will traverse the entire forest on foot, accompanied by ministers, citizens, elders, and twice-born men.” Bharata’s heart was restless. He declared, “Until I see Rama, or the mighty Lakshmana, or the greatly fortunate Vaidehi, I will have no peace. Until I see my brother’s face, radiant as the moon and with eyes like lotus petals, I will have no peace. Until I place my brother’s feet, marked with royal signs, upon my head, I will have no peace. Until he, worthy of the kingdom, stands in the royal office of his fathers and is anointed with consecration water, I will have no peace.” He reflected with reverence, “Indeed, Saumitri is truly blessed, who beholds the radiant, lotus-eyed face of Rama, pure as the moon. The greatly fortunate Vaidehi, daughter of Janaka, is accomplished, who follows her husband across the earth bounded by the ocean. Blessed is this Chitrakuta, the mountain like the king of mountains, where Kakutstha dwells like Kubera in Nandana. This formidable forest, frequented by wild beasts, has fulfilled its purpose, for the mighty Rama, foremost among warriors, dwells here.” Having spoken thus, the illustrious Bharata, best among men and strong-armed, entered the great forest on foot. He passed through clusters of trees blossoming on the mountain slopes. Because of his nearness, seeing the roots there was not repeated again. Seeing him, the illustrious Bharata, along with his companions, became bewildered, realizing, “Here is Rama,” as if they had reached the far shore of the waters. Then, on the mountain Chitrakuta, having heard of Rama’s hermitage—blessed and inhabited by holy people—the great-souled Bharata, together with Guha, quickly went there after arranging the army. Thus ended the ninety-eighth sarga in the glorious Ayodhya Kanda of the ancient and illustrious Ramayana composed by Valmiki. When the army had settled, Bharata, eager, went to see his brother, showing the way to Shatrughna. He sent word to the sage Vasishta, saying, “Quickly bring my mother,” and, devoted to his elders, hastened ahead. Sumantra too followed Shatrughna closely, for both he and Bharata were eager to see Rama.