Bharata, filled with determination and longing, called upon Guha—who was armed with his bow, arrows, and sword—and instructed him to search for Kakutstha, accompanied by a thousand of his kinsmen. Bharata himself resolved to traverse the entire forest on foot, accompanied by his ministers, citizens, elders, and the twice-born, seeking his beloved brother. He declared that until he saw Rama, or the mighty Lakshmana, or the greatly fortunate Vaidehi, he would find no peace. He spoke with yearning, saying that until he beheld his brother’s face—radiant as the moon, with eyes like lotus petals—peace would elude him. Nor would he be content until he placed his brother’s feet, marked with royal signs, upon his own head. Bharata’s heart was restless until Rama, worthy of the kingdom, stood once more in the royal office of his fathers and was anointed with consecration water. Bharata reflected that Saumitri, Lakshmana, was truly blessed, for he beheld the radiant, lotus-eyed face of Rama, pure as the moon. And Vaidehi, the daughter of Janaka, was accomplished, for she followed her husband across the earth bounded by the ocean. Even Chitrakuta, the mountain like the king of mountains, was blessed, for Kakutstha dwelled there like Kubera in Nandana. The formidable forest, frequented by wild beasts, had fulfilled its purpose, for the mighty Rama, foremost among warriors, now made it his home. Having spoken thus, the illustrious Bharata, best among men and strong-armed, entered the great forest on foot. He passed through clusters of blossoming trees growing upon the mountain slopes. Because of his nearness, the roots were not seen repeatedly. As he advanced with his companions, they became bewildered, realizing: “Here is Rama,” as if they had reached the far shore of the waters. Then, upon the mountain Citrakuta, Bharata heard of Rama’s hermitage—blessed and inhabited by holy people. Together with Guha, after arranging the army, the great-souled one quickly made his way there. Thus ended the ninety-eighth sarga in the glorious Ayodhya Kanda of the ancient and illustrious Ramayana composed by Valmiki. When the army had settled, Bharata, eager, set out to see his brother, showing the way to Shatrughna. He sent word to the sage Vasishtha, asking him to quickly bring his mother, and, devoted to his elders, hastened ahead. Sumantra followed Shatrughna closely, for both he and Bharata were eager to see Rama. As Bharata walked, he saw his brother’s leaf-hut and the hermitage nestled among the dwellings of ascetics. In front of the hut, he noticed wood that had been split and heaps of gathered flowers. He saw the hermitage of Rama and Lakshmana, recognizing their presence by the scattered kuśa grass garments hung on the trees. In that forest, he observed large piles made for warmth from the hides of deer and buffalo. As the mighty and radiant Bharata proceeded, he spoke confidently to Shatrughna and all the ministers: “I think we have reached the place that Bharadvaja mentioned; for I believe the Mandakini river is not far from here. These garments of bark, tied high up, must have been placed by Lakshmana as a marker for the path, wishing to 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 along the path, rises where ascetics always offer 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.” After a short while, Raghava reached Citrakuta and arrived at the Mandakini river; he spoke these words to the people: “The tiger among men sits upon the earth, delighting in the seat of heroes; the lord of men has entered solitude—alas for my birth and life! For my sake, the lord of the world, radiant and mighty, has met with misfortune; abandoning all desires, Raghava dwells in the forest. Thus, blamed by the world, today I shall fall at the feet of Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, seeking their forgiveness.” Lamenting thus in that forest, the son of Dasharatha beheld a great, auspicious, and beautiful leaf-hut. It was spacious, covered with many leaves of sāla, tāla, and aśvakarṇa trees, softly spread with kuśa grass, like an altar prepared for sacrifice. The hut was adorned with bows resembling Indra’s weapon, strong and gold-backed, mighty and fit for battle, shining as weapons that destroy enemies. There were arrows, fierce and radiant as the sun’s rays, stored in quivers, their shining faces like serpents, making it resemble a serpent’s abode. Splendid with great silver garments and swords, and decorated with shields marked with golden spots, it shone brightly. There were curious lizard-skin gloves adorned with gold, and surrounded by invincible groups of enemies, it was like a lion’s cave among wild beasts. Within Rama’s dwelling, Bharata saw a broad altar facing east and north, glowing with sacred fire and auspiciousness.