Bharata, his heart heavy with longing for his exiled elder brother, resolved before all, “If I am unable to bring back my noble brother from the forest, then I too shall remain there, just as Lakshmana does.” He vowed to use every means at his disposal, even force if needed, to bring Rama back, and he would do so openly, in the presence of the elders, the virtuous, and those devoted to righteousness. Already, he had sent carpenters, road-clearers, and guards ahead to prepare the path; the prospect of the journey itself filled him with hope. Having declared his intentions, the righteous Bharata, ever devoted to his brother, turned to Sumantra, the wise counselor standing nearby, and said, “Rise quickly, Sumantra, and at my command order the march. Assemble the army at once.” Delighted by Bharata’s resolve, Sumantra immediately carried out his instructions to the letter. The command to set out for the forest, with the aim of bringing back Rāghava, filled the citizens, army commanders, and soldiers with joy. In every house, the wives of warriors urged their husbands to prepare eagerly for the journey. Soon, the army was mobilized—swift horses, ox-carts, and fast-moving chariots gathered, and the commanders, together with their troops, readied the entire force. In the presence of his elders, Bharata saw the preparations and said to Sumantra, “Hasten my chariot.” Receiving this order with joy, Sumantra brought forth a chariot yoked with excellent horses and set out. Bharata, steadfast in truth and mighty in resolve, spoke again, wishing to appease his illustrious brother who had gone to the great forest, “Rise quickly, Sumantra, and go to the chiefs of the army. Assemble everyone, for I wish to bring back Rama, who dwells in the forest, for the welfare of the world.” Fully satisfied by Bharata’s righteous command, Sumantra summoned all the chief citizens, army leaders, and his friends. In every household, people of all castes—kṣatriyas, vaiśyas, śūdras, and brāhmaṇas—yoked camels, chariots, mules, elephants, and noble horses, preparing to accompany Bharata. At the break of dawn, Bharata mounted his excellent chariot and set out swiftly, his heart yearning to see Rama. His ministers and priests rode before him in chariots shining like the sun. Behind them followed nine thousand well-prepared elephants, sixty thousand chariots with archers armed for battle, and a hundred thousand horses, all ready and eager. The queens—Kaikeyī, Sumitrā, and the illustrious Kausalyā—delighted at the prospect of bringing Rama home, also set out in shining vehicles. Noble assemblies departed together, their hearts uplifted as they spoke joyfully of Rama and Lakshmana. “When shall we see Rama,” they wondered, “dark as a rain cloud, mighty-armed and steadfast, firm in his vows, the remover of the world’s sorrow?” They believed that merely seeing Rāghava would dispel their grief, just as the rising sun drives away the darkness of night. Speaking thus among themselves, the citizens embraced one another and departed in high spirits. All the people—nobles and townsfolk alike—set out together toward Rama. Jewel-workers, skilled potters, weavers, and weapon-makers joined the procession, as did makers of peacock ornaments, sawyers, carvers, ivory workers, plasterers, and perfumers. Renowned goldsmiths, blanket washers, bath attendants, clothiers, physicians, incense makers, and distillers also went. Washers, tailors, villagers, actors with their wives, and boatmen all joined the journey. Thousands of Brahmins, learned in the Vedas and respected for their conduct, followed Bharata, bringing cows and chariots. All were well-dressed in clean garments, adorned with polished copper ornaments, and traveled in various vehicles. The army, joyful and full of hope, accompanied Bharata, Kaikeyī’s son, who was devoted to his brother and determined to bring him back. After a long journey by chariots, vehicles, horses, and elephants, the great procession reached the banks of the Gaṅgā near Śṛṅgiverapura. There, Rama’s friend, the heroic Guha, dwelt with his kinsmen, vigilantly protecting the region. The army halted on the riverbank, the ground adorned with the marks of wheels and axes. Seeing the great host assembled and the auspicious waters of the Gaṅgā before him, Bharata, skilled in counsel, addressed his ministers, “Set up the army everywhere as appropriate. After resting here, we shall cross this great river tomorrow.” He added, “Now I wish to offer water for the departed king, for the sake of the funeral rites, having descended to the river.