The crossing of the Ganga was a sight to behold. Boats adorned with fluttering flags, each guided by skilled boatmen, swiftly ferried those who had embarked, ensuring all reached the opposite shore. Some vessels carried groups of women, others were filled with horses, and still others bore great wealth, even transporting vehicles laden with treasures. Once the passengers had disembarked, the boatmen and their families set about their tasks, making various arrangements with bamboo poles to secure the boats and organize the landing. Meanwhile, the elephants—magnificent, decked with victory banners and urged on by their mahouts—waded through the waters, shining like mountains crowned with flags. The crossing was accomplished by many means: some traveled in boats, others on rafts, some floated across using water jars, and a few swam, propelling themselves with their arms. In this way, the virtuous army made its way across the sacred river, and, at an auspicious hour, continued onward to the splendid forest of Prayaga. Once the crossing was complete, the great-souled Bharata comforted his troops and ensured they were properly settled. Then, accompanied by his priests, he set out to visit the illustrious sage Bharadvaja. Approaching the hermitage of this great Brahmin—priest of the gods—Bharata beheld a beautiful grove of huts and trees, nestled in the glorious forest that belonged to the distinguished sage. Thus ended that chapter of the journey. As they drew near to Bharadvaja’s hermitage, Bharata, foremost among men, stationed his army at a respectful distance and advanced with his ministers. Mindful of righteousness, he set aside his weapons and armor, donned fine garments, and proceeded on foot, led by the chief priest. For the audience with Bharadvaja, Bharata instructed his ministers to wait and followed Vasistha, the chief priest, into the presence of the sage. Upon seeing the revered Vasistha, the great ascetic Bharadvaja quickly rose from his seat and instructed his disciples to bring offerings. Welcoming them with due honor, he offered water for washing their feet and presented fruits in the proper order, then inquired after their families’ well-being. Knowing the ways of King Dasharatha, Bharadvaja asked about the army, the treasury, friends, and ministers in Ayodhya—but did not mention the king himself. In turn, Vasistha and Bharata asked Bharadvaja about his health, the sacred fires, the trees, his disciples, and the wild animals and birds of the forest. The sage graciously answered, then, bound by affection for Rama, turned to Bharata and said, “What brings you here, you who govern the kingdom? Tell me everything, for my mind is not at ease. Kausalya gave birth to Rama, destroyer of enemies and bringer of joy, who, with his brother and wife, has long been exiled to the forest. He, famed and virtuous, was sent here for fourteen years by his father, influenced by a woman. Surely you do not intend any wrong against that innocent one, seeking to enjoy the kingdom without obstacles, along with his younger brother?” Hearing these words, Bharata was overcome with emotion. Tears filled his eyes and his voice trembled as he replied, “I am ruined if even you, revered one, think of me in this way. Please do not suspect me of any fault, nor admonish me so. My mother’s wishes were spoken in my absence; I do not approve of them, nor do I accept those words. I have come seeking Rama, that tiger among men, to bring him back to Ayodhya and to bow at his feet. Show me kindness, revered one, and tell me where Rama, lord of the earth, is now.” Urged by Vasistha and the other priests, Bharadvaja spoke kindly to Bharata, saying, “O tiger among men, descendant of Raghu, your conduct—reverence for elders, self-restraint, and adherence to virtue—becomes you. I know this is firmly established in your heart; my questioning was only to further your renown. I know that Rama, knower of righteousness, is with Sita and Lakshmana; your brother dwells on the great mountain Citrakuta. Tomorrow, after resting here with your counselors, you shall go there. Please grant me this wish, wise one, skilled in fulfilling desires.” Reassured and noble in bearing, Bharata replied, “So be it,” and resolved to spend the night in the hermitage. Thus another chapter of their journey came to a close. That evening, the sage Bharadvaja, having decided that Bharata and his party would stay, invited the son of Kaikeyi to be his guest. Bharata replied with humility, “Revered one, you have already done all that is proper—offering water for our feet, gifts, and hospitality—as is fitting in the forest.” Bharadvaja, smiling, said to Bharata, “I know your heart is full of affection; you are pleased by any gesture. Still, I wish to provide food for your army. My affection is as it should be, and you are worthy, O lord of men. But why have you left your forces at a distance and come here alone? Why have you not approached with your army, O best of men?” With hands joined in respect, Bharata replied, “Revered one, I did not bring my army here out of fear of disturbing you.” Thus, with humility and reverence, Bharata and his retinue received the sage’s hospitality, preparing to rest for the night before seeking out Rama on the morrow.