A Journey Comes Up Due to the Comeuppance of Rama's Exile

 The story unfolded in Ayodhya with Bharata ruling that he had no interest in the throne after performing the final rites of his father. He directed the entire administrative machinery to bring Rama back from the forest and enthrone him. Thus the entire city was once again decked up to reach the place of Rama and put forward their request to stop the exile. The young prince, Bharata who was absent in the days of shocking turn of events, don’t want to listen to anyone and directed everyone to prepare for the journey to bring Rama back. He believed the population at the feet of its master would definitely make Rama to oblige their request. Thus the entourage has started the journey to forest, hoping for the best outcome and let us look at what purpose it has served. This will definitely be a turning point for the kingdom as the journey decides who will preside for the next fourteen years.

In chapter 83, Leaving Ayodhya early next morning, accompanied by family-priests, ministers, archers, elephants, cavalry, artisans, army and citizens and covering a long distance, Bharata arrives at the bank of Ganga River at Sringaberapura ruled by guha and, encamping the army there, breaks journey for offering libations to his deceased father on the bank of the Ganaga and also to give rest to the retinue.

Bharata's entourage of sixty thousand chariots were filled with valorous men, carrying sparkling weapons followed by skilled archers and soldiers, as well as a hundred thousand horses, mounted by armed riders. The forward royal entourage consisted of the queens Kausalya, Sumitra and Kaikeyi, their faces aglow at the prospect of soon beholding Rama. Citizens of Ayodhya came in hordes, anxious not to be left out of what seemed to be like a holy pilgrimage. Bharata's retinue was awesome and the nine thousand elephants that trundled along were royally bedecked from head to tail. It comprised of sixty thousand chariots, an army mounted on a hundred thousand horses followed by ministers and priests riding magnificent chariots. Thousands more came towards Dandaka traveling in bullock carts and on any available mode of transport. There were merchants, potters, jewelers, hunters, goldsmiths, tailors, shepherds, jugglers, masons, distillers and carpenters. Along with them came cord weavers, ivory makers, confectioners and many more of diverse professions, who unwilling to be left behind came in droves. But the one common cause of their travel, the only desire that made every one's heart palpate with excitement, was Rama! The very thought that they would soon be with him lent wings to their feet. At Sringaberapura, a region under the rule of Guha, Bharata ordered for the armies to disband for the night.

In chapter 84, Guha the king of Nishada tribe asks his relative to guard the river bank and get ready for a battle, if necessary, with Bharata. Then, Guha approaches Bharata with a welcome-drink of honey, meat and fish. He asks Bharata with his army to accept his hospitality.

Guha the Nishada chief beheld the arrival of Bharata's entourage spread out like a vast sea of humanity. Wondering and wary of its sheer size, unable to discern where it ended as part of it merged with the horizon, Guha told his people, "See that formidable army, the flag with the Kovidara emblem on the chariot means the presence of an Ikshvaku and I believe it belongs to evil minded Bharata". Frowning at what he thought was Bharata's expedition against Rama with probable intentions of killing, Guha grew anxious. He ordered his armies to take position on the banks of the river Ganga and keep strict vigil over every movement of Bharata's armies. Taking no chances and taking nothing for granted Guha took it upon himself to nip Bharata's plans in the bud. Wary of any trouble that may be caused to his most beloved master and friend, he ordered five hundred boats, each manned with a hundred men ready to make war. Guha also told his men, that if Bharata's intentions were honourable, his armies were to safely cross the river. Having made his instructions clear, Guha went to meet Bharata, carrying gifts of fish, meats and honey.

Sumantra was happy to see Guha, he counseled Bharata to receive the king who had thousands of relatives familiar with the terrain of Dandaka. Moreover, he was a dear friend of Rama and would tell them which part of the fearful forest, had the good fortune of his graceful presence. Guha approached Bharata and paid him a reverential homage offering him and his people a bounteous feast of roots, fruits, dried and fresh meats.

In chapter 85, Bharata thanks Guha for having come forward to offer hospitality to him and his army. He enquires about the proper route to proceed to the hermitage of Bharadvaja. Guha assures Bharata that he along with some of his ferrymen will follow him as guides. When Guha enquires Bharata whether he has any evil intention towards Rama, Bharata clarifies him that he is proceeding to Rama’s place to bring him back to Ayodhya. When night falls Bharata along with Shatrughna and his army take rest. However, Guha consoles Bharata, who has been constantly bewailing, till the nightfall.

Bharata said to Guha "Friend of Rama! We accept your generous offer of hospitality" He requested Guha to direct them to the hermitage of Bharadhvaja. The chief of the Nishadas, his words impregnated with doubts of Bharata's intentions said, "Are you going without any evil intent to that embodiment of mercy, Rama, who harms none in this world? Your large army makes me cautious." Tranquil as the blue skies and with no trace of anger Bharata said, "Rama is more a father than a brother to me, Guha! Believe it to be the truth. I now travel explicitly to escort Rama back to Ayodhya".

Guha's frown disappeared and a large smile appeared on his face. Relieved he said, "Bless you and bless your magnanimity, which makes you renounce a kingdom, which has been given to you. May your fame be eternal" As they spoke, the Sun slipped down the western horizon, ushering in the night. Bharata and Shatrughna along with their armies retired for the night. Though Bharata lay down, the bliss of sleep evaded him and the night passed in a sadness that he could not define.

In chapter 86, Guha reports to Bharata, how Rama and his party broke their journey at Sringaberapura and narrate to him the dialogue that took place between Lakshmana and himself during that night. Guha further tells him how Rama and Lakshmana matted their hair into a thick mass, crossed the holy river with Seetha and left for the hermitage of Sage Bharadwaja.

When Guha met Bharata, he beheld in the prince an unsurpassed devotion and a resolve, which was unshakable. In him he also saw a love, whose burning intensity tormented his mind, which would find no deliverance from its torment, until Rama was crowned king. To lessen that agony, Guha told him of Lakshmana's unparalleled servitude towards his brother. He elaborated on how meticulously and personally, Lakshmana oversaw all of Rama's needs and comforts. Guha said, "When Rama stopped here for a night, Lakshmana stood guard with no thought of either rest or sleep for himself. When I offered to keep vigil, Lakshmana listened but his answer so simple and so profound proved the magnitude of his absolute devotion to Rama." Lakshmana had said, "To behold the son of Dasaratha sleep on the ground with Sita resting by his side and still be alive is in itself impossibe. How can I even think of sleep? How can I be comfortable and happy? Look Guha, look at Rama the most valorous of men whom the combined forces of the Devas and Danavas cannot vanquish. See him, who is the divine manifestation and an equal of his father. Dasaratha, Kausalya and Sumitra will not survive this separation from Rama beyond this night and the earth will be widowed with the death of the king. Sumitra may survive because of Satrughna, but Kausalya will surely perish and my unfortunate father will pass away without his wish being fulfilled. Fortunate are Bharata and Satrughna who will perform the obsequies of my father, only the blessed will inherit Ayodhya, a splendid city teeming with beautiful people, horses, chariots and elephants."
Guha conclude his narration saying that he had ferried the exiles across the Ganga from where they had entered the forest, to begin the first day of their fourteen years of exile.

In chapter 87, hearing Guha's words about Rama, Bharata fell unconscious. Bharata eases himself thereafter and asks Guha to report further details about Rama. Guha informs that even though he offered various kinds of food to Rama, the latter refused it and recollects memories of the time spent.

As he heard Guha, Bharata's arrestingly handsome face clouded and he slipped into an anguished silence. Pained like an elephant goaded, he fell to the ground as if to escape the agony of his mind and Shatrughna followed suit. The queens rushed to comfort the princes, Kausalya embracing Bharata gently said, "Is anything ailing you my son? Is everything well with Rama and Lakshmana? With Dasaratha no more, you are our only refuge and solace". Consoling Kausalya, Bharata asked Guha, "Tell me Guha, where did my brother sleep in this wilderness and what did he eat? And Guha said, "Rama would not accept anything, turning down even the food I repeatedly brought. He told me that he could only dispense, but not ever accept. Sita and Rama fasted that night, taking only the water offered by Lakshmana, who also fasted. Here at the foot of the 'Ingudi' trees rested Rama and Sita, on a bed of grass made by Lakshmana He guarded them with bow in hand the entire night, trusting no one else to perform that duty."

In chapter 88, Bharata and his minister approach the foot of Angudi tree, where Rama has slept on a grass-bed on the ground. Bharata feels bad that on his account, Rama and Seetha were to sleep on such a grass-bed. He thinks that the city of Ayodhya is plunged in desolation, because of the death of Dasaratha and the exile of Rama to the forest. Bharata further takes an owe that like Rama, he will also henceforth sleep on grass with his locks matted, wearing robes of bark and living only on roots and fruits. He says that if Rama refuses his appeal to occupy the throne of Ayodhya, he also will stay back in the forest along with Rama.

Bharata showing the queens the tree, under which Rama had slept said, "How could this be! Did the precious body of Rama rest here on the harsh floor of the forest? Alas mother! There is no power as irrevocable as destiny. How could a prince and his consort, used to the splendor of the palace sleep here.

If Sita was not aware of the discomfort of this grass bed, it was because she is a devout wife. She would find anything acceptable, so long as she is with her consort. Lotus eyed Rama, beloved of the worlds and handsome as god roams in this wilderness like an orphan and I am the blame of that infamy. I bow my head in shame. Fortunate is Lakshmana and blessed is Sita for accompanying Rama. But we the unfortunate live in fear, that Rama may reject our services, for having abandoned him. Bereft of Dasaratha who is no more and deprived of Rama, the earth has lost its luster. From now on, I too shall live on roots and fruit. Matting my hair, wearing bark robes, I too shall sleep on the floor. I will crown Rama as king of Ayodhya, where he shall stay with Lakshmana, protecting and gracing that most wonderful of cities. May the gods grant my desires and may Rama not refuse me this wish.

In chapter 89, having passed the night on the banks of Ganga, Bharata asks Guha to make arrangements for their troops to cross the river by boats. Accordingly, Guha has kept ready five hundred boats with their ferrymen for the purpose. All of them reach the opposite shore of the river. Encamping the army at the shore in the magnificent woods of Prayaga, Bharata along with the priests and kings counsellors, approach the hermitage of Bharadwaja.

Guha prepared to ferry Bharata and his men across the river in five hundred boats. The one meant for the royals was ornate and embellished with gold and provided with windows that let in only limited winds to pass through even during fierce storms. It was firmly put together with large nails of steel. Guha himself took charge of this resplendent boat on which sailed Bharata, Satrughna, the priest, preceptors, Brahmins and the queens. The clamor of embarkation reached a crescendo while the enthusiastic multitudes, splashed and jostled as they boarded. Boats carrying chariots, carts and various animals followed. Elephants goaded by mahouts crossed the river, appearing like mountains in motion. The clamor of the expectant hordes in their eagerness to behold Rama resorted to many ways of crossing the river. Some went by boat and raft some rode elephants, while some swam. Purified and blessed by the celestial waters of the Ganga, the army with its princes soon reached the other bank. Disembarking at the magnificent woods of Prayaga, Bharata asking his armies to rest and went along with Vasishta, others to pay homage to sage Bharadhvaja.

In chapter 90, Bharata along with Vasishta proceed to see Bharadvaja. Bharadvaja welcomes both of them, interacts and extends hospitality.

A league away from the hermitage Bharata stripping himself of his jewels and other royal trappings walked to the hermitage. Beholding Vasishta, Bharadvaja rose quickly asking his disciples to get ready to welcome his honoured guests. After greeting each other Bharadvaja recognised Bharata and asked him, "Tell me Bharata, I know you rule Ayodhya, but Rama the most renowned of men, has been banished by a father, who has fallen prey to the wiles of his queen. Wishing to rid your kingdom of all enemies, have you come to slay that sinless Rama?" Bharadvaja's words stunned Bharata and tears streamed down his face. In a voice that shook with untold anguish he said, "If you think the blame to be mine I consider myself dead. How can you with your knowledge of the past, present and future accuse me of such atrocity? I do not deserve your reproach, nor will I be held responsible for what had happened during my absence form Ayodhya. I never condoned my mother's actions, nor was I ever a party to her treachery. I am here for the explicit purpose of escorting Rama back to Ayodhya. Now sir, can you tell me where Rama may be found?"

Appeasing Bharata, Bharadvaja said, "To you, born of the race of the Ikshvakus, the qualities of nobility, self-control and virtue are natural. Famed for fearlessly dispensing your duties I know you Bharata and I know the purpose of your visit. I questioned you only to enhance your renown as a faithful brother. Rama now lives on the Chitrakuta Mountain where you may travel tomorrow. Let us have the pleasure of your stay here, for now."

This concludes chapters 83,84,85,86,87,88,89 and 90 where we had seen a large sized congregation headed by Bharata, was set on a journey to the place of Rama. Bharata arrives at the place of Guha and gets from him the entire account of his time with Rama. The story slowly unravels the moments which pained the Bharata by looking at the fortune of his dear brother. Bharata himself loses his composure quite a few times after his return to Ayodhya. Let us look at how this further develops before he meets Rama in subsequent chapters.