Bharadvāja, the venerable sage, spoke with gentle assurance to Bharata: “I know well that Rāma, the knower of righteousness, is living with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. Your brother now dwells upon the great mountain of Citrakūṭa. Rest here tonight with your counselors, and tomorrow you shall go to that place. Grant me this wish, O wise one, so skilled in fulfilling desires.” Hearing these words, Bharata—noble in appearance and comforted by the sage—replied respectfully, “So be it.” With that, he resolved to spend the night in the hermitage, bringing peace to his heart. Thus ended that chapter of the glorious Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa in the sacred Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa. As the night settled, the sage, having decided to host Bharata, invited him—Kaikeyī’s son—into his presence as a guest. Bharata, ever humble, responded, “Revered one, you have already performed all the proper rites—washing of feet, offerings, and hospitality—just as is fitting in this forest.” Bharadvāja smiled warmly at Bharata. “I know your heart is full of affection, and you are pleased by every gesture. Yet, 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 tell me, 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?” Bharata, with hands joined in reverence, replied, “O venerable one, I have not come here with my army out of respect and fear of you. Whether it is the king or the prince, ascetics must always be protected from harm within the realm. My foremost horses, men, and noble elephants follow me, covering the vast earth, but I would not risk them harming the trees, water, land, huts, or anything in the hermitages. Thus, I have come alone.” The sage then instructed, “Bring the army here.” Obediently, Bharata arranged for the arrival of his forces. Entering the fire-hall, Bharadvāja cleansed himself and drank water, preparing for the sacred duty of hospitality. With his mind intent, he invoked Viśvakarman, the divine architect, and Tvaṣṭṛ, requesting, “I wish to perform hospitality—let arrangements be made for me here.” He summoned the three guardians of the worlds, the gods led by Śakra, and called for all the rivers—those flowing east and west, on earth and in the heavens—to come forth in every possible way. He requested, “Let some rivers flow with mead, others with fine wine, and others with cool water sweet as sugarcane juice. I summon the divine Gandharvas—Viśvāvasu, Haha, and Hūhū—and all the celestial Apsarases and Gandharvīs: Ghṛtācī, Viśvācī, Miśrakeśī, Alambusā, Nāgadantā, Hemā, and Himā, born on mountain slopes. Let those women who attend Śakra and those who serve Brahmā come as well, together with Tumburu and all their attendants.” He continued, “Let the divine forest from the Kuru land, with garments, ornaments, and leaves, and the eternal fruits of Kubera, be present here. May the revered Soma provide excellent food—dishes to eat, enjoy, suck, and lick, in abundance. Let there be diverse garlands, drinks like divine liquor, and every kind of meat.” With deep concentration, radiance, and mastery of sacred recitation, the sage spoke these words through his ascetic power. Meditating while facing east, hands joined in reverence, he summoned all the deities, who arrived each in their own manner. A gentle, cool wind that removed all fatigue swept over the Malaya and Dardura mountains, bringing comfort and auspiciousness. Celestial clouds gathered in the sky, showering down flowers; the sound of divine drums echoed in every direction. The finest breezes blew, the hosts of apsarases danced, and the gods and gandharvas sang, their vīṇās releasing melodious notes. The music filled the sky, the earth, and the ears of every living being, resonating gently and perfectly in rhythm. When that divine sound, so delightful to all, faded away, Bharata beheld an astonishing sight: the army’s encampment, artfully arranged by Viśvakarman. The ground, for five yojanas all around, became perfectly level and covered with lush green grass, shining like blue beryl. Trees of bilva, kapittha, jackfruit, amalaki, and mango appeared, each heavy with fruit. A divine forest from the northern Kurus arrived, and a celestial river, surrounded by many birds, flowed nearby. Magnificent halls appeared—four in number—along with stables for elephants and horses. Palaces and mansions clustered together, each with beautiful gateways. Among the royal residences stood a gateway white as a cloud, adorned with divine garlands and suffused with heavenly fragrance. Within, a four-sided hall was filled with beds, seats, vehicles, all celestial flavors, divine foods and garments, countless dishes, and spotless vessels. All the seats were arranged splendidly, covered with excellent bedding. Permitted by the great sage, the mighty-armed Bharata, son of Kaikeyī, entered the mansion filled with gems. His ministers and priests followed, rejoicing as they beheld the wondrous arrangements prepared for their comfort and delight.