Bharata, ever mindful of tradition, left his mighty army and grand entourage at a respectful distance before approaching the hermitage of Sage Bharadwaja. Clad in simple silk garments and unarmed, he walked humbly alongside Sage Vasishta. Upon entering the serene ashram, Vasishta introduced Bharata and the purpose of his visit.
By ascetic decorum, Sage Bharadwaja inquired of Bharata about the well-being of his family, his army, his treasury, and the people of his kingdom. He asked, “Are the holy places, teachers, disciples, birds, and animals of your realm safe and thriving? And are you yourself free from any illness?” Avoiding any mention of King Dasaratha’s demise, knowing its grief would weigh heavily, Bharadwaja awaited Bharata’s response.
Bharata, with reverence, replied, “By your blessings, O Sage, all is well in my kingdom. In turn, I pray, are your rituals undisturbed? Are your disciples, the environment, and all living beings in harmony here?” Bharadwaja assured him, “We are in peace, sustained by our ascetic way of life.”
The sage then posed a grave question, his voice laden with concern, “You rule Ayodhya, a kingdom vast and prosperous. Why have you come to this forest? Rama, the virtuous son of Kausalya, has been decreed by King Dasaratha to live an ascetic life in Dandakaranya for fourteen years. Tell me, Bharata, do you harbour any ill intent toward the noble Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita?”
Bharata, stunned and hurt by the sage’s suspicions, folded his hands in earnest and declared, “O venerable sage, the words of my mother are anathema to me. I reject her desires, thoughts, and actions entirely. I am drowned in sorrow for her misdeeds. My only purpose in coming here is to fall at Rama’s feet and entreat him to return to Ayodhya to rule as its rightful king. Bless me, O sage, and guide me to Rama’s abode.”
Moved by Bharata’s humility and integrity, Bharadwaja replied, “O prince, your conduct is true to the noble lineage of the Ikshvakus. I now understand your virtuous intentions. Rama resides at Chitrakuta with Sita and Lakshmana. Stay in my hermitage tonight, and I shall guide you tomorrow.”
Bharata accepted the sage’s hospitality, grateful and humbled. When asked why he had left his army at a distance, Bharata explained, “I feared the presence of armed forces might disturb the sanctity of your hermitage and the surrounding forest. Elephants, horses, and chariots could harm the delicate environment.”
The sage, pleased with Bharata’s sensitivity, commanded that the army be brought closer. With divine power, Bharadwaja prepared a grand feast, summoning celestial beings to assist in the hospitality. Viswakarma, the divine architect, built a magnificent camp replete with fruit gardens, flower groves, and a flowing river brought down from Uttarakuru. Celestial damsels and musicians graced the gathering with song and dance, while the moon provided an abundance of delectable food.
As the festivities unfolded, Bharata and his entourage were awed by the sage’s divine powers. Soldiers feasted on ambrosial food, animals were bathed and nourished, and the entire gathering reveled in an atmosphere of unearthly bliss. Despite the grandeur, Bharata remained humble, honouring the sage’s efforts with gratitude.
By dawn, the celebration had vanished without a trace, leaving the camp spotless and serene. The soldiers, intoxicated by the previous night’s splendour, lay amidst crushed garlands, reluctant to leave the haven of joy. Bharadwaja’s unmatched hospitality was a testament to his respect for Bharata’s virtue and honesty.
Thus, Bharata’s sincere intentions were celebrated by the sage, who vowed to aid him in his noble quest. Yet, how destiny would unfold for Bharata and his devotion to Rama remained a tale to be revealed.
