Upon hearing Guha’s warm and affectionate words, Bharata—ever faithful to Rāma—responded with respect. “O king,” he said, “our night was comfortable, and you honored us greatly. Now, please, let your boatmen ferry us across the Ganges with many boats.” Guha, attentive to Bharata’s request, hurried back into the city and spoke to his kinsmen, urging them, “Rise up, awaken, may you always be blessed! Gather the boats together; we must ferry the army across.” At his command, the people quickly rose and, following the king’s order, assembled five hundred boats from all directions. Some boats were marked with the auspicious svastika, adorned with great bells, splendid flags, fitted with sails, and firmly built. Guha then brought forth a boat decorated with the svastika, covered with pale blankets, resounding with auspicious drums—a beautiful vessel. Bharata and mighty Śatrughna boarded this boat. Following them were Kausalyā, Sumitrā, and the other royal women, led by the chief priest. The elders, Brāhmaṇas, royal wives, carts, and shops all followed in procession. As they lit fires for their camps and began the river crossing, the clamor of those carrying their goods rose up to the heavens. The boats, flying flags and manned by skilled boatmen, swiftly carried the embarked people across the river. Some boats were filled with women, others with horses, and some carried great wealth harnessed to vehicles. Upon reaching the far shore and disembarking the people, the boatmen and their kin began making various arrangements with bamboo poles. The elephants, adorned with victory banners and urged on by their riders, crossed the river and shone like mountains draped in flags. Some crossed in boats, others on rafts; some used water jars, and others swam with their arms. The virtuous army crossed the Ganga by many means, and at an auspicious hour proceeded onward to the excellent forest of Prayaga. After comforting the troops and settling them suitably, the great-souled Bharata, accompanied by priests, set out to visit the eminent sage Bharadvāja. He approached the hermitage of the great Brahmin, priest of the gods, and beheld the beautiful grove of huts and trees in the splendid forest belonging to the distinguished sage. Thus ends the eighty-ninth chapter of the glorious Ayodhya Book in the sacred, original poem, the Ramayana of Valmiki. Seeing Bharadvāja’s hermitage from a distance, Bharata—the foremost among men—stationed all the troops and advanced 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 Bharadvāja, Raghava stationed his ministers and proceeded behind the chief priest. Upon seeing Vasistha, the great ascetic Bharadvāja quickly rose from his seat and instructed his disciples to bring offerings. In the company of Vasistha, after giving 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, Bharadvāja asked about the army, treasury, friends, and ministers in Ayodhya, but did not mention the king. Vasistha and Bharata in turn asked him about the health of his body, the fires, trees, disciples, and the wild animals and birds. Having agreed, the great ascetic Bharadvāja replied to Bharata, bound by affection for Raghava. “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 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?” Thus addressed, Bharata replied to Bharadvāja, his eyes filled with tears from sorrow, his voice choked with emotion. “I am ruined if even the revered one thinks of me in this way; do not suspect any fault in me, nor admonish me so. My mother did not wish for what was spoken in my absence; I am not pleased by it, nor do I accept those words. I have come to that tiger among men, seeking his favor, to bring him back to Ayodhya and to bow at his feet. You should show me kindness, considering my situation; tell me, revered one, where is Rāma, the lord of the earth, at present?” Then, urged by Vasiṣṭha and the other priests, the revered sage Bharadvāja spoke kindly to Bharata. “This conduct befits you, O tiger among men, descendant of Raghu: reverence for elders, self-restraint, and following the virtuous. I know this is firmly established in your mind; I questioned you so extensively to further enhance your renown. I know that Rāma, knower of righteousness, is with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa; your brother dwells on the great mountain Citrakūṭa.