Knowing well the upright conduct of King Dasharatha, the sage Bharadvāja received Bharata and his company. He inquired after the welfare of the kingdom—asking about the army, the treasury, the king’s friends, and the ministers who served in Ayodhya—yet, out of discretion, he did not mention the king himself. In turn, Vasiṣṭha and Bharata asked the sage about his own well-being: his health, the sacred fires, the flourishing of trees, the disciples in his care, and the wild animals and birds of the forest. Having exchanged these courtesies, the great ascetic Bharadvāja, moved by affection for Rāma, addressed Bharata and said, “What brings you here, Bharata, when you govern the kingdom? Tell me all, for my mind is uneasy.” He continued, “Kausalyā gave birth to Rāma, destroyer of enemies and bringer of joy, who, along with his brother and wife, has long been exiled to the forest. He, of great fame, was commanded by his father—who was swayed by a woman—to dwell here in the forest for fourteen years. Surely you have not come with wrongful intent against that innocent one, seeking to enjoy the kingdom without hindrance, with the help of his younger brother?” Hearing these words, Bharata’s eyes filled with tears, and his voice, choked with emotion, replied, “I am ruined if even you, revered one, suspect me of such a thing. Please do not think ill of 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 Ayodhyā and to bow at his feet. Show me your kindness; tell me, revered one, where is Rāma, the lord of the earth, at present?” Urged by Vasiṣṭha and the other priests, Bharadvāja, the venerable sage, spoke kindly to Bharata, “Such conduct befits you, O tiger among men, scion of Raghu—reverence for elders, self-restraint, and walking the path of virtue. I know this is firmly established in your heart. I questioned you so only to further enhance your renown. I know that Rāma, knower of righteousness, is with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa; your brother dwells upon the great mountain Citrakūṭa. Tomorrow you will go to that place, after resting here tonight with your counselors. Grant me this wish, O wise one, skilled in fulfilling desires.” Assured and comforted by the sage’s words, Bharata, noble in bearing, replied, “So be it,” and resolved to spend the night in that hermitage. Thus ended the ninetieth chapter of the glorious Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa in the sacred Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. The sage Bharadvāja, having decided that Bharata should stay, invited him as a guest. Bharata replied, “You have already performed all that is proper, revered one—foot-washing, offerings, and hospitality—as is fitting in the forest.” Smiling, Bharadvāja said, “I know you are filled with affection and pleased by any gesture, but I wish to provide food for your entire 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 did you not approach 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 disturbing 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. I did not wish them to harm the trees, water, land, huts, or anything in the hermitages; thus I have come here alone.” Hearing this, Bharadvāja commanded, “Bring your army here.” Thus instructed by the eminent sage, Bharata arranged for the arrival of his forces. Bharadvāja then entered the fire-hall, drank water, and purified himself. For the sake of hospitality, he summoned Viśvakarman, saying, “I call upon Viśvakarman and also Tvaṣṭṛ; I wish to offer hospitality—let all be arranged for me here. I summon the three guardians of the worlds, the gods led by Śakra; let them provide their share in this hospitality. Let all the rivers—those flowing eastward and westward, on earth and in the sky—come here today in every way. Let some flow with mead, others with well-prepared wine, and others with cold water sweet as sugarcane juice. “I summon the divine Gandharvas—Viśvāvasu, Haha, and Hūhū—and likewise all the celestial Apsarases and Gandharvīs: Ghṛtācī, Viśvācī, Miśrakeśī, Alambusā, Nāgadantā, Hemā, and Himā, born on the mountain slopes. Those women who attend Śakra and those who serve Brahmā—all, together with Tumburu and their attendants, I summon. “Let the divine forest from the Kuru land appear, with garments, ornaments, and leaves, and the eternal divine fruits of Kubera. Here, may the revered Soma provide me with excellent food—various dishes to eat, enjoy, suck, and lick, in abundance. Let there be diverse garlands, those fallen from trees, drinks such as divine liquor, and various kinds of meat.” Thus, the great sage prepared to honor Bharata and his followers with a feast worthy of the gods, displaying his deep affection and reverence for the noble prince and his retinue.