As the illustrious prince Bharata set out on his journey, a vast force accompanied him—one hundred thousand horses, mounted and ready, followed in disciplined ranks. The royal mothers, Kaikeyī, Sumitrā, and the revered Kausalyā, hearts uplifted by the hope of bringing Rāma back, traveled in shining vehicles that reflected their joy and anticipation. Noble assemblies gathered, eager to see Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa again. Their hearts brimmed with delight as they journeyed together, their conversations alive with stories and praises of Rāma. “When,” they wondered aloud, “shall we behold Rāma, dark as a rain cloud, mighty-armed and steadfast, resolute in his vows, the one who lifts the world’s sorrow?” They spoke of him with longing, confident that simply seeing Rāghava would dispel their grief, just as the rising sun chases away the darkness of the world. In this spirit, the citizens joyfully embraced one another, exchanging auspicious words before setting out together. Not only the noble and esteemed, but all the townsfolk joined the procession, their hearts united in purpose as they went forth to seek Rāma. The multitude was diverse and vibrant: there were jewel-workers, skilled potters, weavers, and those who earned their living with weapons; makers of peacock ornaments, sawyers, carvers, piercers, ivory workers, plasterers, and perfumers mingled in the throng. Renowned goldsmiths, blanket washers, bath attendants, clothers, physicians, incense makers, and distillers all joined the journey. Washers, tailors, villagers from great and small hamlets, actors with their wives, and boatmen were also among those who set out. Thousands of Brahmins, learned in the Vedas and respected for their conduct, followed Bharata, bringing with them cows and chariots. All were well-dressed in clean garments and adorned with polished copper ornaments, moving slowly in a splendid array of vehicles behind Bharata. The entire army, joyful and full of hope, accompanied Kaikeyī’s son, Bharata, who was devoted to his brother and intent on bringing him back. After traveling a great distance by chariots, vehicles, horses, and elephants, the company finally reached the sacred Gaṅgā near Śṛṅgiverapura. There, on the riverbank, Rāma’s friend—the heroic Guha, chief of the Niṣādas—dwelt vigilantly with his kinsmen, protecting the region. The army, its wheels and axes gleaming, halted on the banks of the Gaṅgā. As Bharata surveyed the vast host that had followed him and gazed at the auspicious waters of the river, he addressed his ministers with thoughtful words: “Set up my army everywhere as appropriate; after resting, we shall cross this great river tomorrow. But first, I wish to offer water for the departed king, for the sake of the funeral rites.” His ministers, attentive to his wishes, replied, “So be it,” and arranged the army, each contingent stationed properly along the river. Thus arrayed, the splendid army lined the banks of the Gaṅgā, while Bharata, pondering over Rāma’s return, remained there with his noble followers. Meanwhile, Guha, the king of the Niṣādas, saw the great army encamped along the river. He quickly spoke to his kinsmen, “This great army, shining like the ocean, can be seen here, and even after much thought, I cannot see its end. Bharata himself has come, his chariot bearing the kovidāra tree banner. He may intend to bind us, or perhaps kill us; after all, Rāma, son of Daśaratha, was exiled by his father, and Bharata, son of Kaikeyī, may seek the rare fortune of kingship and could be coming to kill him.” Guha declared his loyalty: “Rāma, son of Daśaratha, is both my lord and my friend. For his sake, let those devoted to him stand ready here on the bank of the Gaṅgā. Let all the Niṣādas, strong and able, who dwell along the river, remain here, guarding the waters and subsisting on meat, roots, and fruits. Let five hundred boatmen, well-armed and youthful, stand ready—one hundred for each hundred boats. When Bharata is satisfied with Rāma here, then this fortunate army may cross the Gaṅgā.” Having spoken thus, Guha gathered gifts of fish, meat, and honey and approached Bharata. As Guha drew near, Sumantra, the wise and courteous charioteer, informed Bharata, “This is Guha, the chief, surrounded by a thousand kinsmen, skilled in the Dandaka forest, elder, and your brother’s friend. Let Guha see you, O descendant of Kakutstha; without doubt, he knows where Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa are.” Hearing these auspicious words, Bharata replied promptly, “Let Guha see me.” Delighted at the invitation, Guha approached Bharata, bowed respectfully, and spoke: “This place is a settlement, and we too have been unsettled by recent events. We inform you—please stay with your own community of servants. Here are roots and fruits brought by the Niṣādas, as well as fresh and dried meat, and abundant wild food, both high and low.” Thus, the great company of Bharata paused along the sacred Gaṅgā, welcomed by Guha, as hope and longing for Rāma’s return filled every heart.