Thousands of Brahmins, renowned for their mastery of the Vedas and honored for their virtuous conduct, journeyed alongside Bharata. They brought with them cows and chariots, joining the great procession. All were well-attired, clad in spotless garments and adorned with gleaming copper ornaments. Slowly, they followed Bharata, traveling in various vehicles, forming a dignified and impressive retinue. The army accompanying Kaikeyi’s son Bharata was filled with joy and anticipation. Their hearts were uplifted, for Bharata, devoted to his exiled brother Rāma, was leading them with the noble intent of bringing Rāma back. After journeying a long distance—by chariots, carts, horses, and elephants—the great company finally reached the banks of the sacred Gaṅgā, near the town of Śṛṅgiverapura. There, in that region, dwelled Guha, the valiant chief of the Niṣādas and a dear friend of Rāma. Surrounded by his kinsmen, Guha stood vigilant, ever watchful in his duty to protect the land. Bharata’s army, their wheels and axes gleaming, came to a halt on the riverbank, setting up camp along the waters of the Gaṅgā. Surveying the assembled army and the auspicious river, Bharata—skilled in gentle and wise speech—addressed his ministers. “Arrange the army’s encampment everywhere as is fitting,” he instructed. “After resting, we shall cross this mighty river tomorrow. But first, I wish to descend to the waters and offer libations for our departed king, to fulfill the rites owed to him.” At his command, the ministers respectfully replied, “So be it,” and organized the army, each division settling in its proper place along the riverbank. Once the army, resplendent with its armor and banners, was arrayed beside the Gaṅgā, Bharata remained there with his noble followers, his mind ever pondering the return of his beloved brother Rāma. At this time, Guha, king of the Niṣādas, looked out and saw the vast army encamped along the river. He spoke urgently to his kinsmen: “This great army, shining like the boundless ocean, is before us. Its end cannot be discerned, no matter how hard I look. Bharata himself is here, strong and formidable, his chariot bearing the banner marked with the kovidāra tree. Perhaps he has come to bind the Niṣādas, or even to destroy us. Or, since Rāma—son of Daśaratha—was exiled by his father, perhaps Bharata, son of Kaikeyī, seeks the rare fortune of kingship and has come to kill Rāma.” Guha continued, “But Rāma, son of Daśaratha, is both my lord and my friend. For his sake, let all who are loyal to him stand ready here on the riverbank. Let every strong and able Niṣāda who dwells along the Gaṅgā remain here, guarding the river, living on meat, roots, and fruits. Let five hundred young and well-armed boatmen stand ready, one hundred for each hundred boats. When Bharata is satisfied with Rāma, then this fortunate army may cross the river today.” Having made these preparations and gathering gifts of fish, meat, and honey, Guha, lord of the Niṣādas, approached Bharata. As Guha and his kinsmen drew near, Sumantra—the wise and courteous charioteer—announced to Bharata, “Here is Guha, chief among the Niṣādas, surrounded by a thousand followers. He is skilled in all things concerning the Dandaka forest and is both elder and friend to your brother.” Sumantra advised, “Let Guha, the Niṣāda chief, see you, O descendant of Kakutstha. Surely he knows where Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa are.” Bharata, hearing Sumantra’s auspicious words, said at once, “Let Guha come before me.” With permission granted, Guha approached, delighted and accompanied by his people. Bowing respectfully, he addressed Bharata: “This place is our settlement, but we too have been unsettled by these events. We come to inform you—please stay here among your servants. The Niṣādas have brought roots and fruits, fresh and dried meat, and abundant wild fare, both humble and fine. May your army eat well and rest here tonight. Honored and with every wish fulfilled, you may depart with your troops tomorrow.” Bharata, wise and discerning, replied to Guha with words full of reason and purpose: “Your wish, O friend of my teacher, has already been fulfilled, for you alone desire to honor such a great army as mine.” Then, radiant in his strength, Bharata spoke again: “Tell me, O Guha, by which path should I reach the hermitage of Bharadvāja? This region is dense, and the banks of the Gaṅgā are difficult to cross.” Guha, who knew the ways of the forest, listened to Bharata’s request and, with joined palms, replied: “Our skilled bowmen will accompany you, and I, too, will follow, O prince of great fame. Yet, I am troubled—surely you do not come with evil intent toward Rāma, whose deeds are blameless. The sight of your great army gives me pause.” Hearing these words, Bharata replied gently, his voice clear as the sky: “Let such a time of misfortune never arise. You must not suspect me. Rāghava is my elder brother, equal to my father in my eyes.