Having made a solemn promise for the sake of Rāma, Bharata declared that he would happily dwell in the forest for the remainder of Rāma’s exile, ensuring his vow would not be false. He knew that Śatrughna, his brother, would not stay with him; instead, together with Lakṣmaṇa, Śatrughna would remain in Ayodhyā to protect the city. Bharata hoped that the twice-born priests would anoint the descendant of Kakutstha—Rāma—as king in Ayodhyā. He prayed fervently, bowing his head and asking the gods to grant this wish, especially if Rāma did not return in many ways. In that case, Bharata resolved to remain there for a long time, longing for Rāghava, who dwelled in the forest, unable to abandon him. After spending the night on the banks of the sacred Ganges, Rāghava—Bharata—rose early and spoke to Śatrughna. “Śatrughna, rise! Why are you still lying down? Bring Guha, the king of the Niṣādas, quickly. He will help us safely ferry the army across.” Śatrughna replied, “I am not sleeping; I am awake, thinking only of that noble one.” Thus prompted by his brother, Śatrughna spoke. As the two lion-like brothers conversed, Guha approached at the proper time, hands joined in reverence, and addressed Bharata, “Kākutstha, did you spend the night comfortably on the riverbank? Is everything well with you and your entire army?” Hearing Guha’s affectionate words, Bharata, ever obedient to Rāma, replied, “O king, our night was comfortable, and we were honored by you. Now let your boatmen ferry us across the Ganges with many boats.” At Bharata’s command, Guha hurried back into the city and spoke to his kinsmen, “Rise up, awaken, may you always be blessed! Bring the boats together; we will ferry the army across.” Thus commanded, the Niṣādas quickly arose and, at the king’s order, gathered five hundred boats from all sides. Some boats bore the svastika mark, adorned with great bells, splendid with flags, fitted with sails, and firmly constructed. Guha brought a boat marked with the svastika, covered with pale blankets, sounding with auspicious drums, and beautiful. Bharata and mighty Śatrughna boarded it. Kausalyā, Sumitrā, and the other royal women, led by the priest, followed. The elders, Brāhmaṇas, royal wives, carts, and shops came after. Fires were lit for their camps as they entered the river crossing; the clamor of those carrying their goods rose up to the heavens. The boats with flags, manned by boatmen themselves, swiftly carried the embarked people across. Some boats were filled with women, others with horses, and some carried great wealth harnessed to vehicles. Upon reaching the far shore and disembarking, boatmen and their kin began making various arrangements with bamboo poles. The elephants, adorned with victory banners and urged on by their riders, crossed and shone like mountains with flags. Some crossed in boats, others on rafts; some used water jars, and others swam with their arms. That virtuous army crossed the Ganga by various means and, at an auspicious hour, proceeded to the excellent forest of Prayaga. After comforting the troops and settling them suitably, the great-souled Bharata, accompanied by priests, set out to see the eminent sage Bharadvaja. He approached the hermitage of the great Brahmin, priest of the gods, and saw the beautiful grove of huts and trees in the splendid forest belonging to the distinguished sage. Thus ended the eighty-ninth chapter of the glorious Ayodhya Book in the sacred, original poem, the Ramayana of Valmiki. Seeing Bharadvaja’s hermitage from a distance, the foremost among men—Bharata—stationed all the troops and went forward with his ministers. Knowing righteousness, he went on foot, having set aside his weapons and armor, wearing garments of fine cloth, with the chief priest leading. For the audience with Bharadvaja, Raghava stationed his ministers and proceeded behind the chief priest. Upon seeing Vasistha, the great ascetic Bharadvaja quickly rose from his seat, instructing his disciples to bring offerings, for he was in the company of Vasistha. After giving them offerings and water for washing feet, and then fruits in proper order, the righteous sage inquired about the well-being of their family. Knowing the conduct of Dasharatha, Bharadvaja asked about the army, treasury, friends, and ministers in Ayodhyā, but did not mention the king himself. Vasistha and Bharata asked him about the health of his body, fires, trees, disciples, and the wild animals and birds. Having agreed, the great ascetic Bharadvaja replied to Bharata, bound by affection for Raghava. He asked, “What purpose brings you here, while you govern the kingdom? Tell me everything, for my mind is not at ease. Kausalya gave birth to the destroyer of enemies, the bringer of joy, who, with his brother and wife, has long been exiled to the forest. He, of great fame, was ordered by his father, who was influenced by a woman, to live in the forest here for fourteen years. Surely you do not wish to commit wrong against that innocent one, desiring to enjoy the kingdom without obstacles, along with his younger brother?