The virtuous army, steadfast in purpose, crossed the sacred Ganga by various means, choosing an auspicious hour for their journey. With devotion and order, they pressed onward into the excellent forests of Prayaga. Once they had arrived, Bharata, great-souled and mindful of his duty, comforted the troops and ensured their needs were met, settling them securely. Then, accompanied by his priests, Bharata set out to visit the eminent sage Bharadvaja. As he approached the hermitage of that great Brahmin—Bharadvaja, the priest of the gods—Bharata beheld a beautiful grove of huts shaded by trees, nestled in the splendid forest that belonged to the distinguished sage. From a distance, Bharata, foremost among men, saw the hermitage. Desiring to show proper respect, he stationed all the troops at a distance and went forward with his ministers. Aware of righteousness, Bharata laid aside his weapons and armor, donned garments of fine cloth, and proceeded on foot, led by the chief priest. For the audience with Bharadvaja, he left his ministers behind and followed the chief priest in humility. When the great ascetic Bharadvaja saw Vasistha, he quickly rose from his seat and instructed his disciples to bring offerings. In the company of Vasistha, Bharata and the others were welcomed with offerings, water for washing their feet, and fruits, all in proper order. The righteous sage then inquired about the well-being of their families, showing his concern. Knowing the conduct of King Dasharatha, Bharadvaja asked about the army, the treasury, friends, and ministers in Ayodhya, but, with gentle tact, did not mention the king himself. In turn, Vasistha and Bharata inquired after Bharadvaja’s health, the well-being of his sacred fires, the trees and disciples in his care, and the wild animals and birds of the forest. Having received their inquiries, the great ascetic Bharadvaja replied, his heart bound by affection for Raghava. He asked Bharata, “What purpose brings you here, while you 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, of great fame, was ordered by his father—who was influenced by a woman—to live here in the forest for fourteen years. Surely you do not intend any harm to that innocent one, desiring to enjoy the kingdom without obstacles, along with his younger brother?” Thus addressed, Bharata was overcome with sorrow. Tears filled his eyes, and his voice was choked with emotion as he replied, “I am ruined if even you, revered one, think 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 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. Please, show me kindness, considering my situation. Tell me, revered one, where is Rama, the lord of the earth, at present?” Urged by Vasistha and the other priests, the revered sage Bharadvaja spoke kindly to Bharata, granting him words of reassurance. “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 Rama, knower of righteousness, is with Sita and Lakshmana; your brother dwells on the great mountain Chitrakuta. Tomorrow, you will go to that place, after resting here with your counselors; fulfill this wish of mine, O wise one, skilled in fulfilling desires.” Reassured, Bharata, noble in appearance, replied, “So be it,” and resolved to spend the night in the hermitage. As the next chapter of their journey unfolded, the sage, having decided that Bharata should stay, invited the son of Kaikeyi to be his guest. Bharata said to him, “Surely, you have already performed all that is proper—foot-washing, offerings, and hospitality—as is fitting in the forest.” Bharadvaja, smiling, replied, “I know you are filled with affection; you are pleased by any gesture. Yet, 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 joined palms, Bharata answered, “I have not come here with my army, revered one, out of fear of you. Whether by the king or always by the prince, ascetics must be carefully protected from harm within the realm. Foremost horses, men, and noble, intoxicated elephants follow me, covering the vast earth. They must not harm the trees, water, land, huts, or anything in the hermitages; thus, I have come here alone.” At Bharadvaja’s command—“Bring the army here”—Bharata arranged for the army’s arrival. Then, entering the fire-hall, drinking water, and cleansing himself, the sage, for the sake of hospitality, summoned Viśvakarman, the divine architect, to aid him in honoring his guests. Thus, the chapters of the glorious Ayodhya Book in the sacred Ramayana of Valmiki draw to a close, each moment filled with reverence, humility, and the deep bonds of dharma.