As Bharata and his retinue approached the slopes of Chitrakuta, a sense of unease lingered in Rama’s heart. He looked for the white parasol, the divine royal emblem honored throughout the world and belonging to his father, but it was nowhere to be seen. This absence troubled him, stirring doubts within. Meanwhile, Lakshmana, ever victorious and loyal, left the hall and came to stand beside Rama, his hands respectfully joined. Outside, by Bharata’s command, the great army made camp all around the mountain, ensuring there was no confusion or disorder. The mighty force of the Ikshvakus, bristling with elephants, horses, and chariots, spread out for a yojana and a half along the mountain’s side. Led by wise Bharata, who set aside pride and upheld righteousness, the army shone brightly on Chitrakuta, seeking only to please Rama, the noble descendant of Raghu. With the army settled, the mighty Bharata, best among those who walk on foot, set out to approach Kakutstha Rama, following the path of his elders. Once the camp was secure, Bharata spoke to his brother Shatrughna, “Dear one, quickly search this forest in every direction with these men and hunters. Let Guha, armed with bow, arrows, and sword, search here for Kakutstha, accompanied by his thousand kinsmen. I myself will traverse the entire forest on foot, joined by ministers, citizens, elders, and venerable Brahmins. Until I see Rama, or the mighty Lakshmana, or the greatly fortunate Vaidehi, I shall have no peace. Until I behold my brother’s face, radiant as the moon and with eyes like lotus petals, I will not be at ease. Nor will I rest until I place my brother’s feet, marked with royal signs, upon my head, or until he, worthy of the kingdom, is installed as king and anointed with sacred waters as our ancestors were.” He continued, “Saumitri is truly blessed, for he beholds the radiant, lotus-eyed face of Rama, pure as the moon. And the greatly fortunate Vaidehi, daughter of Janaka, is accomplished, for she follows her husband across the broad earth, bounded by the ocean. Blessed too is this Chitrakuta, king among mountains, for Kakutstha dwells here as Kubera dwells in Nandana. This formidable forest, filled with wild beasts, has fulfilled its purpose, for Rama, foremost among warriors, resides within.” Having spoken thus, illustrious Bharata, strong-armed and best among men, entered the great forest on foot. Passing through clusters of blossoming trees on the mountain slopes, he pressed onward with his companions. As they drew nearer, the sight of the roots and the very nearness of the place confirmed their arrival. Suddenly, Bharata and his company became overwhelmed, realizing, “Here is Rama!”—as if they had reached the far shore after a long journey across the waters. Then, on the heights of Chitrakuta, having heard of Rama’s hermitage, blessed and inhabited by holy people, Bharata, together with Guha, hastened there after arranging the army. With the camp firmly established, Bharata’s eagerness grew. He set out to see his brother, guiding Shatrughna along the way. He sent word to the sage Vasishtha, “Quickly bring my mother,” and, ever devoted to his elders, hurried forward. Sumantra followed close behind Shatrughna, for both he and Bharata longed to see Rama. As Bharata walked, he beheld his brother’s leaf-hut and the hermitage nestled among the dwellings of ascetics. In front of the hut, he saw split wood and heaps of gathered flowers. He recognized the presence of Rama and Lakshmana by the kuśa grass garments draped over tree branches. In the forest, he saw piles of hides from deer and buffalo, arranged to provide warmth. Filled with confidence and radiance, Bharata spoke to Shatrughna and the assembled ministers, “I believe we have reached the place Bharadvaja described, for the Mandakini river must be near. These garments of bark, tied high up, must have been placed by Lakshmana as markers for the path, perhaps for travel at an unusual hour. Here on the mountainside are the tracks of swift elephants with noble tusks, circling and trumpeting at one another. That smoke, dense and dark, rises along the path where ascetics offer their oblations in the forest. Here, filled with joy, I shall see the noble Raghava, a tiger among men, who performs the sacred rites of his elders like a great sage.” Soon after, Raghava reached Chitrakuta and arrived at the Mandakini river. There, he spoke to the people gathered, his presence a beacon of hope and fulfillment for all who had come seeking him.