Along the great journey to bring Rāma home, Bharata was accompanied by a diverse and vibrant procession. There were washers and tailors, villagers from both large settlements and small hamlets, actors with their wives, and boatmen. Thousands of Brahmins, deeply learned in the Vedas and honored for their conduct, followed Bharata, bringing with them cows and chariots. All these people, dressed in fresh, clean garments and adorned with shining copper ornaments, made their way slowly behind Bharata, each traveling in their own kind of vehicle. The army itself was joyful and full of anticipation, accompanying Bharata, the devoted son of Kaikeyī, as he set out with a heart full of love for his brother and the purpose of bringing him back. After a long journey by chariots, carts, horses, and elephants, the great procession finally reached the banks of the Gaṅgā near Śṛṅgiverapura. There, on the riverbank, dwelt Guha, the heroic chief of the Niṣādas and a dear friend of Rāma, ever vigilant with his kinsmen, guarding that region. The army, with its wheels and axes gleaming, halted on the banks of the sacred Gaṅgā. Surveying the gathered host and the auspicious waters of the river, Bharata, skilled in leadership, turned to his ministers and spoke: “Arrange my army as is fitting for each group; after we have rested, we shall cross this great river tomorrow. But first, I wish to descend to the water and offer libations for my departed father, in honor of his funeral rites.” The ministers, attentive to his wishes, replied, “So be it,” and organized the army, each contingent settling in its proper place along the riverbank. The army, resplendent with its equipment and arrayed in order, stretched along the Gaṅgā, while Bharata, his mind dwelling on Rāma’s return, remained there with his noble companions. Meanwhile, on the other side, Guha, chief of the Niṣādas, saw the vast army encamped along the river. He quickly spoke to his kinsmen: “This great army, shining like the ocean, is spread before us; even after much thought, I cannot see its end. Bharata himself, mighty and formidable, has come—his chariot bearing the banner of the kovidāra tree. Perhaps he intends to bind or even destroy us, or, since Rāma was exiled by his own father, Bharata may be coming to secure the kingship for himself by seeking Rāma’s death.” Guha continued, “Rāma, son of Daśaratha, is both my lord and friend. For his sake, let all those devoted to him stand ready here on the bank of the Gaṅgā. Let every strong and able Niṣāda who lives along the river remain here, guarding the waterway and living on meat, roots, and fruits. Let five hundred youthful and well-armed boatmen stand ready, a hundred for each hundred boats. When Bharata has met with Rāma and is satisfied, then this army, blessed with good fortune, will cross the river today.” Having spoken thus, Guha gathered gifts of fish, meat, and honey, and approached Bharata. Seeing him coming, Sumantra, the wise charioteer, informed Bharata, “This is Guha, the Niṣāda chief, surrounded by a thousand kinsmen, skilled in the ways of the Dandaka forest, an elder, and your brother’s friend. Let Guha see you, for he surely knows where Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa are.” Hearing these words, Bharata said eagerly, “Let Guha come to me.” With permission granted, Guha, delighted and surrounded by his kinsmen, approached Bharata and bowed respectfully. He said, “This place is a settlement, and we too have been caught unawares. We offer you our hospitality—please remain with your retinue here. The Niṣādas have brought roots, fruits, fresh and dried meat, and abundant wild fare of every kind. I hope your army, having eaten, will spend the night here; honored and your wishes fulfilled, you may depart with your troops tomorrow.” Hearing this, Bharata, wise and discerning, replied to Guha with thoughtful and purposeful words: “Truly, O friend of my teacher, your wish is fulfilled; for you alone have the desire and ability to honor so great an army as mine.” Then, radiant in his resolve, Bharata continued, “O Guha, by which path shall I go to the hermitage of Bharadvāja? This region is dense, and the bank of the Gaṅgā is difficult to cross.” Guha, knowledgeable in the ways of the forest, replied with joined palms, “My servants, skilled with bows, will accompany you, and I myself will follow, O prince of great fame. Yet, I must ask—surely you do not come with harmful intent toward Rāma, whose conduct is blameless? The sight of your great army gives me some concern.” To these words, Bharata replied gently, his voice clear and reassuring as the sky, dispelling all doubts with his sincerity.