Rama Seeks Bharadwaja's Guidance

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana's epic journey unfolds as they meet Sage Bharadwaja, who guides them to Mount Chitrakuta. Discover the trials and beauty of their forest exile in this ancient tale. 

Journey to Prayaga (Shlokas 2.54.1 - 2.54.12)

Departure at Dawn

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana spent an auspicious night under a great tree. At sunrise, they set out towards the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna rivers. During their journey, they observed various regions and enchanting places they had never seen before.

Approaching Prayaga

As the day ended, Rama, walking safely and observing different trees, spoke to Lakshmana:

"Lakshmana, look at the column of smoke rising near Prayaga (the sacred confluence of rivers). It resembles the banner of the fire god. I believe a sage must be nearby. We have surely reached the meeting point of the Ganga and Yamuna, as we can hear the sound of clashing waters."

Signs of Habitation

As they neared their destination, Rama and Lakshmana noticed:

• Signs of forest dwellers

• Various trees near Sage Bharadwaja's hermitage

Arrival at Bharadwaja's Hermitage

The two archers, accompanied by Sita, reached the hermitage comfortably by evening. As Rama approached:

• Deer and birds were startled by his presence

• He walked for a while before reaching Bharadwaja's exact location

Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana, eager to meet the sage, respectfully stood at a distance.

Meeting Sage Bharadwaja

Rama entered the hermitage and saw the great soul Bharadwaja (a revered sage) surrounded by his disciples. The sage was known for:

• Practicing rigorous austerities

• Maintaining deep concentration

• Possessing profound spiritual insight

• Personally tending to the sacred fires

Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita paid their respects to the distinguished sage Bharadwaja.

Rama's Introduction (Shlokas 2.54.13 - 2.54.16)

Rama, the elder brother of Lakshmana, introduced himself and his companions to Sage Bharadwaja:

"O venerable one, we are sons of King Dasharatha:

• I am Rama

• This is my brother Lakshmana

• This auspicious lady is my wife Sita, daughter of King Janaka

Sita, though blameless, has chosen to follow me into this desolate forest. My dear younger brother Lakshmana, firm in his resolve, has also accompanied me in my exile."

Rama continued, explaining their purpose:

"O sage, following our father's instructions, we are entering the forest of penance. There, we will:

• Subsist on roots and fruits

• Follow the righteous path"

Bharadwaja's Hospitality (Shlokas 2.54.17 - 2.54.20)

Upon hearing Rama's words, the righteous Bharadwaja offered them traditional hospitality:

• A sacred cow

• Water for washing their feet

• Arghya (a respectful offering of water, milk, and flowers to honored guests)

The sage, known for his severe penances, provided them with:

• Various foods and drinks made from forest fruits and roots

• A comfortable resting place

Bharadwaja sat surrounded by forest dwellers:

• Animals

• Birds

• Other hermits

He welcomed Rama with due honor. After Rama accepted the hospitality and took a seat, Bharadwaja spoke words of dharma (righteousness).

Bharadwaja's Advice (Shlokas 2.54.21 - 2.54.31)

Bharadwaja addressed Rama:

"O descendant of Kakutstha, it's been long since I last saw you. I've heard about your unwarranted banishment. This region near the confluence of the Ganga and Yamuna is:

• Sacred

• Solitary

• Pleasant

You may stay here comfortably if you wish."

Rama, ever mindful of others' well-being, replied:

"O venerable one, I have a concern. People from nearby towns and villages might frequently visit this hermitage to see us. For this reason, I do not wish to reside here. Could you suggest a more secluded place where Sita, who deserves comfort, can live peacefully?"

Bharadwaja, impressed by Rama's thoughtfulness, responded:

"Ten krosas (about twenty miles) from here lies Mount Chitrakuta, similar to the celestial Gandhamadana mountain. It is:

• Frequented by great sages

• Sacred and beautiful from all angles

• Home to monkeys, apes, and bears

Chitrakuta has a unique quality: those who behold its peaks are inspired to do good deeds and avoid sinful thoughts. Many ascetics have lived there for centuries, practicing severe austerities before ascending to heaven."

The Glories of Chitrakuta (Shlokas 2.54.32 - 2.54.43)

Bharadwaja elaborated on the virtues of Chitrakuta:

"O mighty Rama, I believe Chitrakuta is ideal for your stay. The mountain is:

• Rich in diverse flora

• Inhabited by kinnaras (mythical beings, half-human and half-horse) and celestial serpents

• Alive with the calls of peacocks

• Frequented by majestic elephants

• Abundant in nourishing roots and fruits

• Both sacred and delightful

As you explore the forest, you'll encounter:

• Herds of elephants roaming freely

• Deer moving in groups

Your hearts will be filled with joy as you and Sita wander, discovering:

• Rivers with crystal-clear waters

• Magnificent waterfalls

• Vast plateaus and towering peaks

• Mysterious caverns

• Cascading mountain streams

The mountain air resonates with:

• Melodious calls of lapwings

• Soothing coos of cuckoos

You'll witness:

• Elephants in their natural habitat

• Numerous deer moving gracefully through the landscape

I recommend you settle in a hermitage on this enchanting mountain. It will provide both comfort and spiritual nourishment during your time in the forest."

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