In the heart of a formidable forest, where wild beasts roam and nature reigns supreme, its purpose seemed fulfilled—for the mighty Rāma, foremost among warriors, now dwelled there. Having recognized this, the illustrious Bharata, strong-armed and best among men, entered the great forest on foot. His words were eloquent, and as he walked, he passed through clusters of blossoming trees that adorned the mountain slopes. As Bharata drew nearer, there was no need to repeatedly search for roots, for the path was clear to him. Suddenly, he and his companions became bewildered upon seeing signs of Rāma’s presence. It was as if they had reached the distant shore of a vast body of water—so profound was their realization: “Here is Rāma.” Hearing of Rāma’s hermitage on the mountain Citrakūṭa, a place blessed and inhabited by holy people, Bharata, accompanied by Guha, quickly made arrangements for the army and hastened toward the hermitage. Thus concluded the ninety-eighth sarga of the glorious Ayodhyā Kāṇḍa of the ancient and illustrious Rāmāyaṇa, composed by Vālmīki. When the army had settled, Bharata, eager to see his brother, led the way for Śatrughna. He sent word to the sage Vasiṣṭha, requesting, “Quickly bring my mother,” and, devoted to his elders, hurried ahead. Sumantra, too, followed closely behind Śatrughna, for both he and Bharata were filled with longing to see Rāma. As Bharata proceeded, he glimpsed 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 freshly gathered flowers. He recognized the presence of Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa by the kuśa grass garments scattered on the trees. Nearby, large piles made for warmth from the hides of deer and buffalo caught his eye. Confidently, the radiant Bharata spoke to Śatrughna and the ministers: “I think we have reached the place Bharadvāja mentioned; I believe the Mandākinī river is not far from here. These garments of bark, tied high up, must have been placed by Lakṣmaṇa as a marker for the path, perhaps 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 dense, dark smoke rising along the path must mark the spot where ascetics offer oblations in the forest. Here, filled with joy, I shall see the noble Rāghava, a tiger among men, who performs the sacred rites of his elders, like a great sage.” Soon, Rāghava reached Citrakūṭa and arrived at the Mandākinī river, and Bharata spoke 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, Rāghava dwells in the forest. Thus, blamed by the world, today I shall fall at the feet of Rāma, Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa, seeking their forgiveness.” Lamenting thus in the forest, the son of Daśaratha 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, gold-backed, mighty, and fit for battle, shining as weapons that destroy enemies. Fierce arrows, radiant as the sun’s rays, were stored in quivers, their shining faces like serpents, making the hut resemble a serpent’s abode. Splendid silver garments and swords decorated the hut, and shields marked with golden spots shone brightly. Curious lizard-skin gloves, adorned with gold, were present, and the hut was surrounded by invincible groups of enemies, like a lion’s cave among wild beasts. Within Rāma’s dwelling, Bharata saw a broad altar facing east and north, glowing with sacred fire and auspicious. After gazing for a moment, Bharata finally saw his revered elder, Rāma, seated in the hut, wearing a crown of matted hair. Rāma was clad in black antelope skin and bark garments, shining like fire, surrounded on all sides. The righteous lord of the earth sat with lion-like shoulders, mighty arms, and lotus-like eyes—the ruler of the land bounded by the sea. Seated with mighty arms, like eternal Brahmā, upon a ground spread with darbha grass, he was accompanied by Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa. Overwhelmed by grief and sorrow, Bharata, the righteous son of Kaikeyī, rushed forward. Unable to maintain his composure, his voice choked with tears, he lamented: “He who was once worthy to be attended by the people in assembly now sits here among wild forest animals—my elder brother. That great soul who was formerly adorned with garments worth many thousands now practices righteousness here, clad in a deerskin. He who once wore various beautiful garlands of flowers now bears this heavy mass of matted hair—how does Rāghava endure it?