Kaikeyī, Sumitrā, and the illustrious Kausalyā, filled with joy at the thought of bringing Rāma back home, journeyed in radiant vehicles. Alongside them, noble assemblies of people set out together to see Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa, their hearts uplifted as they eagerly spoke of Rāma’s virtues and greatness. As they traveled, their conversations brimmed with longing: “When will we behold Rāma, dark as a rain cloud, mighty-armed and steadfast, unwavering in his vows, the one who lifts the world’s sorrow?” They believed that merely seeing Rāma, the noble Rāghava, would dispel their grief, just as the rising sun banishes the darkness of the world. Sharing these joyful and auspicious words, the citizens embraced one another and departed, united in their anticipation. All who were present—esteemed elders and townsfolk alike—joined the procession toward Rāma, their hearts full of happiness. The caravan included jewel-workers, skilled potters, weavers, and those whose livelihoods depended on weapons. Makers of peacock ornaments, sawyers, carvers, piercers, ivory workers, plasterers, and perfumers all joined in. Renowned goldsmiths, blanket washers, bath attendants, clothers, physicians, incense makers, and distillers followed as well. Washers, tailors, villagers and hamlet folk, actors with their wives, and boatmen were among those who set out. 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 journeyed slowly behind Bharata in various vehicles. The army, joyful and delighted, 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 entire company reached the banks of the Gaṅgā near Śṛṅgiverapura. There, Rāma’s friend, the heroic Guha, surrounded by his kinsmen, stood vigilantly, protecting the region. The army accompanying Bharata halted on the Gaṅgā’s bank, a place adorned with wheels and axes. Seeing the vast assembly and the auspicious waters of the Gaṅgā, Bharata, skilled in speech, addressed his ministers: “Arrange the army everywhere as appropriate. After resting, we shall cross this great river tomorrow. And now, I wish to offer water for the departed king, for the sake of the funeral rites, having descended to the river.” His ministers, attentive and respectful, replied, “So be it,” and stationed the army with their own contingents, each in their proper place. The army, resplendent with its equipment, was arrayed along the great river Gaṅgā. Bharata, pondering Rāma’s return, remained there with his noble followers. Thus concludes the eighty-fourth chapter in the Ayodhya Book of the glorious Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. Meanwhile, seeing the army encamped along the Gaṅgā river, Guha, king of the Nishadas, quickly spoke to his kinsmen. “This great army, shining like the ocean, can be seen here. Even after much thought, I cannot discern its end. Bharata himself, formidable in strength, has come, his chariot bearing the banner of the kovidāra tree. He may bind the Nishadas, or perhaps kill us; or, since Rāma, son of Dasharatha, was exiled from the kingdom by his father, Bharata—son of Kaikeyī—may be seeking kingship and coming to kill him.” Guha declared, “Rāma, son of Dasharatha, 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 strong and able Nishadas who live along the river remain here, guarding the river and subsisting on meat, roots, and fruits. Let five hundred boatmen, well-armed and youthful, stand ready—each group of a hundred for each hundred boats. When Bharata is satisfied with Rāma here, then this army, blessed with good fortune, will cross the Gaṅgā today.” Having spoken thus, Guha took gifts of fish, meat, and honey and approached Bharata. 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, descendant of Kakutstha; without doubt, he knows where Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa are.” Hearing these auspicious words, Bharata quickly said, “Let Guha see me.” With permission granted, Guha, delighted and surrounded by his kinsmen, approached Bharata and bowed respectfully. Guha spoke: “This place is a settlement, and we too have been deceived; we all inform you—remain in your own community of servants. There are roots and fruits brought by the Nishadas, as well as fresh and dried meat, and abundant wild food, both high and low. I hope your army, having eaten, will spend this night here; honored with various desires fulfilled, tomorrow you will depart with your troops.” Thus, the great gathering paused at the riverbank, with Guha offering support and hospitality, and Bharata preparing to fulfill his duties and continue the quest for Rāma.