Having reached the far shore of the Ganga, the boatmen and their kin helped everyone disembark safely. They busied themselves making arrangements on the riverbank, using bamboo poles to steady their craft and assist the travelers. The mighty elephants, splendidly adorned with victory banners and urged on by their skilled riders, made their way across the river, shining like majestic mountains crowned with fluttering flags. Some in the great army crossed in boats, others on rafts; a few used water jars for support, while the strongest simply swam, propelling themselves with their arms. In this way, the virtuous army crossed the Ganga by many means. At an auspicious hour, they set forth toward the renowned forest of Prayaga. Once the troops were comforted and settled in suitable places, the noble Bharata, accompanied by priests, resolved to visit the eminent sage Bharadvaja. He approached the sage’s hermitage, that sacred abode of the great Brahmin and priest of the gods, and gazed upon the beautiful grove of huts and trees nestled in the splendid forest belonging to the distinguished sage. Thus ended the eighty-ninth chapter of the glorious Ayodhya Book in the sacred Ramayana of Valmiki. As Bharata drew near and saw Bharadvaja’s hermitage from a distance, he, being the foremost among men, stationed all his troops at a respectful distance and advanced with his ministers. Knowing what was right, he set aside his weapons and armor, donned fine garments, and walked on foot, led by the chief priest. For the audience with Bharadvaja, Raghava arranged for his ministers to wait behind and proceeded quietly behind the chief priest. When the great ascetic Bharadvaja saw Vasistha, he quickly rose from his seat and instructed his disciples to bring offerings, for Vasistha was in their company. The sage welcomed them with offerings and water for washing their feet, then presented fruits in proper order, and inquired about the welfare of their families. Knowing the conduct of King Dasharatha, Bharadvaja asked after the army, treasury, friends, and ministers in Ayodhya, but he did not mention the king himself. Vasistha and Bharata, in turn, asked the sage about his health, the sacred fires, the trees, his disciples, and the wild animals and birds of the forest. Having exchanged these courtesies, the great ascetic Bharadvaja, who was bound by affection for Raghava, addressed Bharata: “What brings you here, while you are governing 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 dwelt in exile in the forest. He, famed and righteous, was ordered by his father—who was influenced by a woman—to live here for fourteen years. Surely you do not intend any harm toward that innocent one, desiring to enjoy the kingdom unopposed, along with his younger brother?” Hearing these words, Bharata’s eyes filled with tears and his voice was choked with sorrow 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 the favor of that great man, to bring him back to Ayodhya and to bow at his feet. Show me kindness, revered one, and tell me—where is Rama, the lord of the earth, at present?” Urged by Vasistha and the other priests, the revered sage Bharadvaja kindly spoke to Bharata: “Such conduct befits you, O tiger among men, scion of Raghu—reverence for elders, self-restraint, and following the virtuous. I know this is firmly established in your heart; I questioned you only to further enhance your renown. I know that Rama, knower of righteousness, is with Sita and Lakshmana, dwelling on the great mountain Chitrakuta. Tomorrow you may go to that place, after resting here tonight with your counselors. Fulfill this wish of mine, O wise one, skilled in fulfilling desires.” Reassured and noble in appearance, Bharata replied, “So be it,” and resolved to spend the night in the sage’s hermitage. Thus ended the ninetieth chapter of the glorious Ayodhya Book in the sacred Ramayana of Valmiki. Then the sage, having decided to host them, invited Bharata, son of Kaikeyi, as his guest. Bharata replied, “Surely, you have already performed all that is proper—foot-washing, offerings, and hospitality—as is fitting in the forest.” Smiling, Bharadvaja addressed Bharata, “I know you are filled with affection and 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? Why have you not approached with your army, O best of men?” With hands joined in respect, Bharata replied, “I have not come here with my army, revered one, out of fear of disturbing you. Whether by the king or by the prince, ascetics must always be carefully protected from harm within the realm. The foremost horses, men, and noble, intoxicated elephants follow me, covering the vast earth, O revered one.” Thus, with reverence and humility, Bharata and his retinue stayed as honored guests in the sage’s sacred forest, preparing to fulfill their purpose on the morrow.