Sumantra Introduces Guha to Bharata
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 84
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 84
Guha, Nishada king, prepares for Bharata's arrival at the Ganga. Loyalty to exiled Rama tested as armies gather. A tense meeting unfolds, with hospitality offered amid uncertainty.
Guha, king of the Nishadas (a tribal community), observed a vast army encamped along the banks of the river Ganga. He hurriedly addressed his kinsmen:
"Look at this enormous army on the other side. It's as vast as the ocean, and I can't even comprehend its size in my mind."
Guha continued:
"It seems Bharata has come here himself. I can see his chariot with the emblem of a huge kovidara (pomegranate) tree."
Guha said:
He feared Bharata might imprison or kill the Nishadas
He worried Bharata might attempt to harm Rama, who had been exiled by his father
Guha then declared his loyalty to Rama:
"Rama, son of Dasharatha, is not only my master but also my friend. We must protect his interests."
Guha ordered:
All Nishadas to remain stationed along the Ganga's banks
River guards to be on alert, ready with their troops
Five hundred boats to be prepared, each manned by a hundred young, well-equipped fishermen
Guha said:
"If Bharata proves to be well-disposed towards Rama, then this army will cross the Ganga safely today."
After speaking thus, Guha, the lord of the Nishadas, approached Bharata with offerings:
Fish
Meat
Wine
Sumantra saw Guha approaching and humbly informed Bharata:
"This lord, surrounded by thousands of his kinsmen, is skilled in the ways of the Dandaka forest. He is an aged man and a friend of your brother."
Sumantra added:
"O descendant of Kakutstha (Bharata), let Guha, the lord of Nishadas, meet you. He undoubtedly knows where Rama and Lakshmana are."
Upon hearing Sumantra's words, Bharata said:
"Let Guha see me at once."
Guha, delighted and escorted by his relatives, approached Bharata and humbly said:
"This country is like a pleasure garden behind your house. We are all subordinate to you. We request you to stay in the house of this servant of yours."
Guha continued:
"We have:
Roots and fruits
A great variety of forest produce
Fresh and dried meat brought by the Nishadas
I hope your army, refreshed, will spend the night here. Treated with our various hospitalities, you can proceed tomorrow with your army."
This concludes the Eighty Fourth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.