Knowing the path of righteousness, Bharata set aside his weapons and armor, choosing instead to walk on foot, clad in fine garments. The chief priest, Vasistha, led the way, and Bharata, accompanied by his ministers, followed behind, intent on meeting the sage Bharadvaja. When they arrived, Bharadvaja, the great ascetic, saw Vasistha and immediately rose from his seat, instructing his disciples to bring offerings in honor of Vasistha’s esteemed company. The sage welcomed them warmly, offering water for washing their feet and fruits in proper order. With reverence and hospitality, Bharadvaja then inquired about the well-being of their families. Knowing the ways of King Dasharatha, Bharadvaja asked after the army, treasury, friends, and ministers of Ayodhya, though he deliberately refrained from mentioning the king himself. Vasistha and Bharata, in turn, asked Bharadvaja about his own health, the sacred fires, the trees of the hermitage, his disciples, and the wild animals and birds that dwelled there. After these exchanges, Bharadvaja agreed and replied to Bharata, his words shaped by affection for Rama. He asked Bharata directly, “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, the destroyer of enemies and bringer of joy, who, with his brother and wife, has long been exiled to the forest. Rama, famed for his virtue, was ordered by his father—who was influenced by a woman—to live here 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?” Hearing these words, Bharata was overcome with sorrow; his eyes filled with tears and his voice choked with emotion as he replied, “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 Rama, that tiger among men, seeking his favor, to bring him back to Ayodhya and 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, Bharadvaja spoke kindly to Bharata. He said, “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 Citrakuta. 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 and noble in appearance, Bharata agreed, resolving to spend the night in the hermitage. Thus ended the ninetieth chapter of the glorious Ayodhya Kanda in the sacred Valmiki Ramayana, the first epic. As the next chapter began, the sage Bharadvaja, having decided to stay there, invited Bharata, son of Kaikeyi, as a guest. Bharata said, “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. 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?” Bharata, with joined palms, answered, “I have not come here with my army, revered one, out of fear of you. Whether by the king or by the prince, ascetics must always be carefully protected from harm within the realm. Foremost horses, men, and intoxicated noble 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.” Bharadvaja then commanded, “Bring the army here.” Bharata arranged for his forces to arrive as instructed. Entering the fire-hall, drinking water, and cleansing himself for the sake of hospitality, Bharadvaja summoned the divine architect Viśvakarman. He called upon Viśvakarman and Tvaṣṭṛ, expressing his wish to perform hospitality and asking it be arranged for him there. He also summoned the three guardians of the worlds, the gods led by Śakra, requesting their aid in hospitality. Bharadvaja prayed that all the rivers—those flowing eastward and westward, on earth and in the sky—would come there that day in every way. He wished some rivers to flow with mead, others with well-prepared wine, and others with cold water resembling sugarcane juice. He summoned the divine Gandharvas—Viśvāvasu, Haha, and Hūhū—and likewise all the divine Apsarases and Gandharvīs, preparing to honor Bharata and his army with celestial hospitality.