Bharadwaja Reveals Rama's Whereabouts

Bharata, accused of ill intentions, emotionally defends his loyalty to Rama before the sage Bharadwaja. His sincerity proven, he learns of Rama's whereabouts and accepts the sage's hospitality. 

Bharata Approaches Bharadwaja's Hermitage (Shlokas 2.90.1 - 2.90.2)

Bharata, the scion of the Raghu race, knower of righteous ways and the best among men, saw Bharadwaja's hermitage from a distance of one krosa (about 2 miles). He halted his entire army.

Bharata then:

• Laid aside his royal robes and weapons

• Wore silk garments

• Proceeded on foot with his ministers

• Placed the family priest Vasistha at the head of the group

The Meeting of Sages (Shlokas 2.90.3 - 2.90.6)

As they neared the hermitage, the great ascetic Bharadwaja:

1. Saw Vasistha

2. Rose quickly from his seat

3. Instructed his disciples to bring offerings of water

Bharata greeted Bharadwaja, who then recognized him as Dasaratha's son.

Bharadwaja then offered in order:

• Arghya (a welcoming offering of water) to both Vasistha and Bharata

• Water for washing their feet

• Fruits to the guests

Inquiries of Well-being (Shlokas 2.90.7 - 2.90.8)

Bharadwaja inquired in order about the welfare of:

• Ayodhya (the capital city)

• The army

• The treasury

• Friends and ministers

Knowingly, he did not mention King Dasaratha.

In return, Vasistha and Bharata asked Bharadwaja about:

• His personal health

• The condition of his sacred fires

• The well-being of his disciples, animals, birds, and trees in the hermitage

Bharadwaja Questions Bharata's Intentions (Shlokas 2.90.9 - 2.90.13)

Bharadwaja, the great ascetic, out of affection for Rama, said to Bharata:

"What is the purpose of your coming here when you should be ruling the kingdom? Tell me everything about this. My mind is not clear on this matter.

Kausalya gave birth to Rama, the destroyer of enemies and enhancer of her joy. He has been banished to the forest for a long time along with his wife and brother.

That illustrious Rama has been ordered by his father, at the urging of a woman, to live in the forest for fourteen years.

Do you intend to cause any harm to that blameless Rama and his brother, wishing to enjoy the kingdom without obstacles?"

Bharata's Emotional Response (Shlokas 2.90.14 - 2.90.18)

Bharata, with tears in his eyes and grief in his voice, replied to Bharadwaja with stumbling words:

"I am ruined if even a venerable person like you thinks of me this way. Do not suspect any evil from me. Please do not rebuke me like this.

What my mother said in my absence is not agreeable to me. I am not pleased with this, nor do I accept those words.

I have come to persuade that best of men, Rama, to return to Ayodhya and to worship his feet.

O Lord, considering my circumstances, be kind to me and tell me where Rama, the lord of the earth, is now."

Bharadwaja's Response (Shlokas 2.90.19 - 2.90.23)

Then, besought by Vasistha and other priests, the venerable Bharadwaja was pleased to tell Bharata:

"O best of men, born in the race of Raghu, your conduct towards spiritual preceptors, your self-restraint, and your following of virtuous people are all appropriate.

I am aware of the feelings in your heart. I asked you in this manner to confirm it and to further increase your fame.

I know that Rama, who is conversant with righteousness, is living on Chitrakuta mountain (a sacred hill) with Sita and Lakshmana.

Tomorrow you shall go to that place, but tonight stay here with your ministers. O prince, knower of desire and prosperity, fulfill my wish."

Bharata Accepts the Invitation (Shloka 2.90.24)

Bharata, a man of liberal outlook, expressed his acceptance, saying, "Be it so." Then the prince made his decision to spend the night in that hermitage.

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