Guha Admires Bharata's Noble Mission
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 85
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 85
Bharata's journey to find Rama unfolds as he encounters Guha, leader of the Nishadas. Emotions run high as Bharata's intentions are questioned and his deep sorrow for Rama is revealed.
Bharata responded to Guha, the leader of the Nishadas (a tribal community), with well-thought-out and meaningful words:
"My friend of my elder brother, your desire to extend hospitality to this large army all by yourself is indeed noble."
The radiant Bharata spoke again to Guha:
"Guha, which path should I take to reach Bharadwaja's hermitage? This region is dense and difficult to cross."
Guha replied with folded palms:
"O prince of great renown, I shall accompany you along with well-prepared fishermen armed with bows."
"Are you not going there with ill intentions towards Rama, known for his tireless actions? This large army of yours arouses doubts in my mind."
Bharata, as tranquil as the sky, responded to Guha in a gentle voice:
"May such a calamitous time never come. You should not suspect me."
"I regard Rama, my eldest brother, as equal to my father."
"I am going to bring back that scion of the Kakutshas (Rama's lineage) who resides in the forest."
"O Guha, do not entertain any other thought. I am telling you the truth."
Guha's face beamed with joy. He spoke again, delighted:
"You are blessed. I see none equal to you on this earth, as you wish to renounce the kingdom that has come to you effortlessly."
"Your everlasting fame will spread throughout the world, as you desire to bring back Rama who is in great difficulty."
As Guha conversed with Bharata, the sun's light diminished and night set in. Bharata, gratified by Guha, encamped his army and retired to bed along with Satrughna.
Bharata was overcome with sorrow filled with thoughts of Rama.
His grief burned within him like a concealed forest fire scorching dried trees.
Sweat poured from all parts of his body, caused by the fire of grief, like ice melted by the sun's rays flowing down the Himalayas.
Bharata was overwhelmed by a great mountain of grief:
Its rocks were his constant thoughts
Its minerals were his sighs
Its trees were his dejection
Its peaks were his sorrow, fatigue, and mental distress
Its creatures were his bewilderment
Its bamboo was his anguish
Bharata, the best among men, heaved sighs with a greatly distraught mind. With bewildered senses and oppressed by the fever raging in his heart, he found no peace, like a bull separated from its herd.
The magnanimous Bharata, along with his people, joined Guha with a composed mind. Guha, greatly distraught, again tried to console Bharata regarding his elder brother Rama.
This concludes the Eighty Fifth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.