Bharata and his retinue were received with unparalleled hospitality by the venerable Sage Bharadwaja. The night unfolded with sumptuous feasts, a medley of fruit juices, enchanting music, and graceful dances. The fragrance of the air, rejuvenating baths, and restful sleep left an indelible impression upon their hearts. Such a divine experience, surpassing even the splendour of royal treatment, imbued them with joy and gratitude.
At the break of dawn, Bharata, after performing his morning rituals, approached the sage with folded hands to seek permission for their departure to Dandakaranya. The sage, observing the prince’s reverence, asked, “O noble-hearted prince, are you and your companions satisfied with my hospitality? Is there anything amiss?”
Bharata replied with humility, “O revered sage, your care and kindness have deeply touched our hearts. My family and entourage, even our animals—elephants, horses, camels, and donkeys—rested in unparalleled comfort under your grace. Your divine aura has dispelled our grief, and we leave your sanctuary rejuvenated and confident. Now, I beseech you to grant us guidance towards the abode of my beloved brother, Rama. I yearn to prostrate at his feet and seek forgiveness for the misdeeds of my mother.”
Understanding Bharata’s genuine longing, the sage spoke with wisdom. “From here, journey approximately thirty-five miles through the desolate forest. Beyond, you shall encounter verdant groves and streams as clear as crystalline pearls. Ahead lies Mount Chitrakuta, with the sacred Mandakini River flowing nearby. Its banks, adorned with lush greenery, resound with the chirping of birds, the hum of bees, and the grace of frolicking deer and peacocks. There, amidst this serene haven, Rama’s hermitage can be found. Guide your retinue carefully, for the forest paths are treacherous.”
Bharata, deeply moved, introduced the queens to the sage. “O venerable one, the noble Kausalya, pure and angelic even in grief, is the mother of lion-hearted Rama. Sumitra, gentle yet resolute, bore the valiant Lakshmana and Shatrughna. Alas, my mother, Kaikeyi, blinded by pride and unwise in her actions, is the architect of this turmoil. It was her deeds that exiled Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita, and plunged my father, King Dasaratha, into grief, ultimately causing his demise.”
As Bharata’s voice trembled with emotion and his eyes burned with anguish, the sage interjected with serene wisdom. “O Bharata, refrain from harbouring anger against Kaikeyi. Her actions, though painful, serve a greater cosmic purpose. Rama’s time in the forest is destined to bring immense good to the divine, the sages, and even the gods. Trust in the unfolding of fate.”
After offering their respects, the party set forth on their arduous journey. The royal entourage, with its decorated elephants and horses, advanced through the dense forest. The animals, adorned like celestial beings, resembled clouds adorned with lightning. The forest quaked with the sound of marching soldiers, unsettling herds of deer, black bucks, and even bears, which scattered in fear.
As the terrain grew challenging, Bharata remarked to the sage Vasishtha, “The surroundings align with Sage Bharadwaja’s description. This flowing stream must be the Mandakini and yonder blue-hued peak is Mount Chitrakuta.” With renewed zeal, they pressed on, their hearts lifted by the prospect of reuniting with Rama.
Finally, they spotted a column of smoke rising from a distant fire, its fragrance hinting at a sacred place. Bharata instructed his soldiers to halt while he, accompanied by Vasishtha and Sumantra, advanced towards the source of the smoke. As they neared, the anticipation among the soldiers grew. The aura of Rama’s presence seemed to bring an unexplainable calm, even to the animals.
Bharata, with unwavering determination, approached, convinced that each step brought him closer to Rama, the axis of their destiny. What followed would be a revelation of the divine design, a chapter in the grand saga of Rama, whose deeds resonate through the universe with timeless glory.
