July 9 - Sargas 83 and 84 of Ayodhya Kanda.
Valmiki describes the large contingent that accompanies Bharata next day to the bank of Ganga.
Guha sees a surprisingly large army with Bharata. Just as he receives him with customary hospitality, he also readies his boat army to prevent Bharata from crossing the Ganga in case Bharata has any intentions of harming Sri Rama.
Sumantra introduces Guha in glowing terms to Bharata.
***
शतं सहस्राण्यश्वानां समारूढानि राघवम् ।
अन्वयुर्भरतं यान्तं राजपुत्रं यशस्विनम् ॥
कैकेयी च सुमित्रा च कौसल्या च यशस्विनी ।
रामनयनसंतुष्टा ययुर्यानेन भास्वता ॥
दृष्ट एव हि नः शोकमपनेष्यति राघवः ।
तमः सर्वस्य लोकस्य समुद्यन्निव भास्करः ॥
इत्येवं कथयन्तस्ते सम्प्रहृष्टाः कथाः शुभाः ।
पराष्वजानाश्चान्योन्यं ययुर्नागरिकास्तदा ॥
A very large army, with several thousands of elephants, chariots, and a hundred thousand cavalry men, followed prince Bharata, renowned for his glory.
Kaikeyi, Sumitra, and Kausalya also travelled in excellent chariots, full of happy anticipation of bringing back Sri Rama.
"Just by casting our eyes on him, our collective grief will be dispelled! After all, he is Sri Rama! He is like the glorious sun, who by merely rising at dawn, dispels all darkness."
Thus conversing in very good cheer, narrating to one another auspicious stories, embracing one another in joy, the citizens of Ayodhya followed prince Bharata in this mighty procession.
***
Valmiki takes this opportunity to list how many trades and professions were represented in that large Ayodhya contingent. I am fascinated that the poet uses this opportunity to paint a glorious picture of prosperity and economic as well as cultural advancement in the city of Ayodhya of a time so long ago.
The professions represented: traders, gemologists and jewellers, potters, weapon-forger blacksmiths, weavers and haberdashers, craftsmen who made adornments with peacock feathers, carpenters, trinket makers, people who drilled shells and pearls, ivory-craftsmen, painters and masons, perfumers, goldsmiths, blanket makers, sauna attendants, doctors, wine makers, incense merchants, washermen, tailors, chieftains of villages engaged in animal husbandry, actors, performing artiste women, fishermen...
Thousands of bullock carts carried very learned Brahmins who had mastered the Vedas.
Everyone was well-groomed, well-attired, and wore sandal paste.
The large army, and all who followed, were in a great mood as they reached the bank of Ganga. Bharata instructed that they shall camp there for the night and cross the river the next morning.
***
भर्ता चैव सखा चैव रामो दाशरथिर्मम ।
तस्यार्थकामाः संनद्धा गङ्गनूपेऽत्र तिष्ठत ॥
यदा तुष्टस्तु भरतोयरामस्येह भविष्यति ।
इयं स्वस्तिमती सेना गङ्गामद्य तरिष्यति ॥
On beholding an incredibly large army sporting Bharata's insignia and flags arrive on the bank of the Ganga, Guha is surprised and confused. What is the occasion for this kind of invasion? He instructs his own army:
"Sri Rama, son of Dasharatha, is my lord and beloved friend. We shall all be ready to safeguard his interests with our lives and wait on the bank.
" I shall ascertain Bharata's intentions. If his disposition is well-intentioned towards Sri Rama, this immense army of his will be helped by us to safely cross the river Ganga. Otherwise we know how to stop the army. "
Having thus instructed his people, Guha approaches Bharata's camp.
Meanwhile Sumantra briefs Bharata that this elderly chief of hunters is a wonderful man and has helped Sri Rama a lot. Sumantra assures Bharata that Guha certainly knows the whereabouts of Sri Rama and will help them reach him.
Guha comes and offers Bharata the best of courtesies and brings the choicest fare for their dinner.
***
॥ श्रीरामजयम् ॥
