Guha Aids Bharata's Journey
Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 89
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Ayodhyakanda - Sarga 89
Bharata's journey across the Ganga unfolds as he seeks Rama. With Guha's aid and an army in tow, he navigates challenges, showcasing loyalty and determination in this Ramayana excerpt.
Bharata, descendant of Raghu, spent the night on the bank of the Ganga where Rama had once stayed. At daybreak, he rose and addressed his brother Shatrughna:
"Shatrughna, arise! Why do you still sleep? Quickly fetch Guha, the overlord of Nishada. He will help us ferry the army across the river."
Shatrughna, stirred by his brother's words, replied:
"I am not asleep, brother. I lie awake, my thoughts dwelling on our noble Rama."
As the two princes conversed, Guha approached with folded palms and addressed Bharata:
"O scion of Kakutstha (a title for the descendants of King Kakutstha), I hope you and your army passed a comfortable night by the river. Was there any inconvenience?"
Bharata heard Guha's affectionate words and responded:
"O king, our night was comfortable, and we are honored by your hospitality. Now, please have your fishermen ferry us across the Ganga with their many boats."
Hearing Bharata's command, Guha swiftly returned to his settlement and roused his people:
"Arise and awake! May you always be blessed. Haul down the boats to the river. We must ferry the army across."
Guha's people hastily brought five hundred boats from all directions. Among these were excellent vessels known as Swastika, magnificently adorned with large bells, flags, and sails. These boats were solidly built and well-equipped for the journey.
Guha brought an auspicious boat known as Swastika (a type of boat). It was covered with white canvas and generated captivating sounds. Bharata and Shatrughna boarded this boat, along with Kausalya, Sumitra, and other royal women.
The family priest (Vasistha) and other Brahmins were the first to board. They were followed by:
Bharata and Shatrughna
Kausalya, Sumitra, and other royal women
The king's other wives
Wagons and supplies
As the crossing began, a great clamor arose:
People set fire to the temporary shelters in the camp
Many descended to the river
Supplies were transported into the boats
The noise of these activities reached the heavens.
The boats, adorned with flags and steered by fishermen, moved swiftly across the river. They carried various passengers and cargo:
Some boats were filled with women
Others transported horses
Some carried draught animals for drawing carriages and great treasures
Upon reaching the opposite bank, the passengers disembarked. As the boats returned, the fisherfolk exhibited their craft with lovely formations.
The elephants, embellished with banners and guided by their mahouts, crossed the water. They looked splendid, like mountains with flags.
Not everyone crossed by boat:
Some used rafts
Others crossed on large pots
Some swam using their arms
The auspicious army, having crossed the Ganga with the help of the fishermen, reached the great forest of Prayaga at the auspicious hour of Maitra.
After ensuring his army was rested and properly encamped, Bharata, accompanied by his priests, set out to see the distinguished sage Bharadwaja.
As Bharata approached the hermitage of Bharadwaja, an eminent Brahmin (member of the priest class) and the official priest of the gods, he saw:
Delightful huts
A multitude of trees
The charming great forest surrounding the hermitage
This concludes the Eighty Ninth chapter (sarga) of Ayodhyakanda, the second book of the Ramayana, the great epic composed by the sage Valmiki.