As dawn broke, Bharata rose and addressed Guha, the king of the Nishadas, with gratitude: “O king, our night was comfortable, and you honored us well. Now, let your boatmen ferry us across the Ganges with many boats.” Hearing Bharata’s command, Guha hastened back into the city and spoke urgently to his kinsmen, “Rise up, awaken, and may you always be blessed! Gather the boats together; we are to ferry the army across the river.” At Guha’s word, his people quickly assembled, rising at once to gather five hundred boats from all directions, as commanded by their king. Some of these boats were marked with the auspicious svastika, adorned with great bells, splendid flags, and fitted with sturdy sails. They were firmly built, ready for the important crossing. Guha then brought forward a special boat, marked with the svastika, its deck covered with pale blankets and resounding with auspicious drums. It was a beautiful vessel, and Bharata, together with the mighty Shatrughna, boarded it. Following them were Kausalya, Sumitra, and the other royal women, led by the chief priest. The elders, Brahmanas, royal wives, as well as the carts and shops, all followed in procession. As fires were kindled for their camps and the great company prepared to cross, the sounds of people carrying their goods and provisions rose up, echoing to the heavens. The boats, resplendent with flags and manned by skilled boatmen, swiftly carried the people across the Ganga. Some boats were filled with women, others with horses, and some carried great wealth loaded onto vehicles. Upon reaching the far shore and disembarking, the boatmen and their kin began making various arrangements, using bamboo poles to help the rest of the company cross. The elephants, adorned with victory banners and urged on by their riders, crossed the river and shone like mountains draped with flags. Some of the company crossed by boat, others on rafts, some floated across using water jars, and a few swam with their arms. Thus, by many means, the virtuous army of Bharata crossed the Ganga and, at an auspicious hour, proceeded toward the sacred forest of Prayaga. After ensuring the troops were comforted and settled, the noble Bharata, accompanied by the priests, set out to visit the eminent sage Bharadvaja. Approaching the hermitage of the great Brahmin, the priest of the gods, Bharata beheld 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. As they drew near to Bharadvaja’s hermitage, Bharata, the foremost among men, stationed all the troops at a distance and advanced with his ministers. Knowing the ways of righteousness, he went on foot, having set aside his weapons and armor, dressed in fine garments, with the chief priest leading the way. When it was time to meet Bharadvaja, Bharata respectfully stationed his ministers and followed behind the chief priest. Upon seeing Vasistha, the great ascetic Bharadvaja quickly rose from his seat and instructed his disciples to bring offerings, honoring the presence of such distinguished guests. Bharadvaja welcomed them with offerings and water for washing their feet, then served fruits in proper order. The righteous sage inquired about the well-being of their families. He asked about the army, treasury, friends, and ministers in Ayodhya, but noticeably did not mention King Dasharatha. Vasistha and Bharata, in turn, asked Bharadvaja about his health, the sacred fires, the trees, his disciples, and the wild animals and birds of the hermitage. The great ascetic Bharadvaja, bound by affection for Rama, replied to Bharata, “What brings you here while you govern the kingdom? Tell me everything, for my mind is not at ease. “Kausalya gave birth to Rama, the destroyer of enemies and 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 dwell in the forest here for fourteen years. Surely, you do not intend to wrong that innocent one, wishing to enjoy the kingdom without obstacles, along with his younger brother?” Hearing these words, Bharata’s eyes filled with tears, his voice choked with emotion. He replied, “I am ruined if even the revered one thinks of me in this way. Please do not suspect any fault in me, nor admonish me so. My mother did not wish for what was spoken in my absence; I do not approve of it, nor do I accept those words. I have come to seek out that tiger among men, to win his favor, to bring him back to Ayodhya, and to bow at his feet. Please show me kindness, O revered one, and tell me where Rama, the lord of the earth, is at present.” At the urging of Vasistha and the other priests, the revered sage Bharadvaja spoke kindly to Bharata: “This conduct befits you, O tiger among men, descendant of Raghu—your reverence for elders, self-restraint, and following of the virtuous. I know this is firmly established in your mind; I questioned you at length only to further enhance your renown. “I know that Rama, knower of righteousness, is with Sita and Lakshmana. Your brother dwells on the great mountain Chitrakuta. Tomorrow, after resting here with your counselors, you will go to that place. Please fulfill this wish of mine, O wise one, skilled in fulfilling desires.