Bharata's Army Marches to Ganges

Bharata's epic journey to find Rama unfolds as he leads a vast army to the Ganges. Joined by craftsmen and Brahmins, he navigates royal duties and personal longing. 

Bharata's Departure (Shlokas 2.83.1 - 2.83.5)

At dawn, Bharata boarded his excellent chariot and set out quickly, eager to see Rama. All the ministers and priests went ahead of him, mounting their chariots harnessed with horses, resembling the chariot of the Sun god.

Following Bharata, the delight of the Ikshvaku dynasty, were:

• Nine thousand elephants, arranged as per tradition

• Sixty thousand chariots with archers and various weapons

• One hundred thousand mounted horses

The Queens' Journey (Shloka 2.83.6)

Kaikeyi, Sumitra, and the illustrious Kausalya traveled in a resplendent chariot, delighted at the thought of bringing Rama back.

The People's Excitement (Shlokas 2.83.7 - 2.83.11)

Venerable groups of people set out to see Rama and Lakshmana, their hearts delighted as they discussed Rama's various accomplishments.

"When shall we see that mighty-armed Rama, dark-blue like a rain cloud, firm in strength and steadfast in vows, the destroyer of the world's sorrows?"

"The sight of Rama alone will dispel our sorrow, just as the rising sun dispels the darkness of the entire world."

They proceeded joyfully, narrating Rama's delightful achievements and embracing one another. All the respectable citizens, merchants, and other subjects moved along in great delight towards Rama.

The Procession of Craftsmen and Tradespeople (Shlokas 2.83.12 - 2.83.15)

Many skilled workers and tradespeople joined the procession, including:

• Gempolishers and potters

• Weaponsmiths and weavers

• Makers of peacock feather adornments and sawyers

• Makers of artificial ornaments and shell perforators

• Ivory workers and whitewashers

• Perfumers and renowned goldsmiths

• Blanket-cleaners and hot bath attendants

• Physicians, vintners, and incense merchants

• Washermen and tailors

• Important people from villages and hamlets

• Actors with their wives and fishermen

The Brahmins Join (Shloka 2.83.16)

Thousands of Brahmins, learned in the Vedas and renowned for their virtuous conduct, followed Bharata on bullock carts with composed minds.

The Well-Dressed Followers (Shloka 2.83.17)

All were well-dressed in clean clothing and anointed with pure red sandal-paste. They slowly followed Bharata, mounted on various vehicles.

The Army Follows (Shlokas 2.83.18 - 2.83.20)

The army followed Kaikeyi's son Bharata, who had set out to bring back his brother. They traveled a great distance on chariots, carriages, horses, and elephants. The group reached the river Ganges near Sringiberapura (a city on the banks of the Ganges). This was where Guha (a tribal chief and friend of Rama) lived with his relatives, ruling the country.

Arrival at the Ganges (Shlokas 2.83.21 - 2.83.23)

The army following Bharata halted on the bank of the river Ganges, which was graced by ruddy geese. Bharata, seeing the army and the sacred waters of the Ganges, said to his ministers:

"Halt my army all over, according to their desires. We shall rest now and cross the river Ganges tomorrow."

Bharata's Wish to Offer Libations (Shlokas 2.83.24 - 2.83.25)

Bharata expressed his wish to enter the river and offer water libations for the departed king, for the good of his life in the other world. The ministers agreed, saying "Be it so," and arranged for their troops to rest separately.

The Encampment by the Ganges (Shloka 2.83.26)

The army encamped along the mighty river Ganges. Bharata stayed there, thinking about bringing back Rama.

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