Guha Welcomes Exiled Prince Rama

Follow Rama's emotional journey from Ayodhya to the Ganga River. Witness his farewell, travel through Kosala, and encounter with King Guha as he begins his forest exile with Sita and Lakshmana. 

Rama's Farewell to Ayodhya (Shlokas 2.50.1 - 2.50.3)

After traveling through the beautiful and vast kingdom of Kosala, Rama, the elder brother of Lakshmana, faced Ayodhya with folded hands and spoke:

"O Ayodhya, best among cities ruled by the Kakutstha dynasty (descendants of King Ikshvaku), I bid farewell to you and all the gods who inhabit and protect you. When I have completed my forest exile and fulfilled my obligations to King Dasharatha, lord of the world, I shall return and see you again, reunited with my parents."

Rama's Emotional Departure (Shlokas 2.50.4 - 2.50.7)

Rama looked miserable, his eyes red with tears. He raised his right hand and addressed the villagers who had come to see him off:

"You have shown me great kindness and compassion. It is not right to prolong one's grief, so please return to your duties."

The people paid their respects by circumambulating Rama. Crying bitterly, they stood watching him as he gradually disappeared from sight, like the sun setting at nightfall.

The Journey Through Kosala (Shlokas 2.50.8 - 2.50.11)

Rama, the best among men, traveled through the prosperous land of Kosala. The kingdom was characterized by:

• Abundance of wealth and food grains

• Charitable and contented inhabitants

• Freedom from fear and conflict

• Presence of sacrificial altars and posts

• Lush pleasure gardens and mango groves

• Plentiful water tanks

• Resonance of Vedic recitations

• Splendor worthy of kings' admiration

Arrival at the Ganga River (Shlokas 2.50.12 - 2.50.26)

As Rama continued his journey, he came upon the holy Ganga River. The Ganga was renowned for its:

• Sacred waters untainted by moss

• Reverence from sages

• Banks adorned with hermitages

• Visits by celestial beings and nymphs

• Abundance of water lilies and lotuses

• Diverse wildlife, including elephants and birds

• Divine origin from Lord Vishnu's feet

• Descent through Lord Shiva's matted locks

Rama gazed at the tumultuous waves and whirlpools of the Ganga. He turned to his charioteer Sumantra and said, "We shall spend the night here, near this large Ingudi (almond) tree by the riverbank."

Meeting with King Guha (Shlokas 2.50.27 - 2.50.42)

As Rama prepared to rest for the night, Guha, the king of the Nishadas (a hunter tribe) and a close friend of Rama, arrived to greet him. Guha was accompanied by his ministers and clansmen.

Overwhelmed with emotion at seeing Rama in bark clothing, Guha embraced him and said:

"O mighty-armed Rama, this place is like Ayodhya to you. What can I do for you? Who else could have the fortune of receiving such a beloved guest?"

Guha swiftly arranged for various foods and drinks as welcome offerings. He then addressed Rama, saying:

"O mighty-armed prince, welcome! This entire land is yours. We are your servants, and you are our master. Please rule this kingdom."

Rama's Response to Guha's Hospitality (Shlokas 2.50.43 - 2.50.51)

Rama, embracing Guha tightly, replied with gratitude and humility:

"I deeply appreciate your affectionate offerings, but I cannot accept them. Consider me an ascetic devoted to righteousness, wandering in the forest, wearing garments of bark and subsisting on fruits and roots. All I need is fodder for the horses, which were my father King Dasharatha's favorites."

Following this exchange, Rama performed his evening prayers (sandhya) and drank only water. Lakshmana, showing his devotion, washed Rama and Sita's feet as they lay on the ground.

Throughout the night, Guha kept vigil over Rama, bow in hand, conversing with Sumantra and Lakshmana. As Rama, unaccustomed to such discomfort, lay on the bare earth, the long night slowly passed away.

This concludes the forty first chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.