Rising with the morrow, Bharata anxious to behold Rama, speedily set out
ascending an excellent car. Before him went the councellors and priests,
ascending cars resembling that of the Sun yoked with steeds. And a
thousand elephants duly consecrated went in the wake of that son of the
Ikshwaku line as he was proceeding. And six thousand cars with bow-men
furnished with various weapons followed the illustrious prince Bharata
as he was proceeding. And a hundred thousand horses mounted (by riders)
went in the wake of that descendant of Raghu intent upon truth and
having his senses under control. And Kaikeyi and Sumitra and the highly
famous Kaucalya rejoicing at the prospect of the bringing of Rama, went
in an effulgent car. And the honorable persons (belonging to all the
three orders) went with the object of beholding Rama in company with
Lakshmana. And they with glad hearts variously conversed with each
other, "When shall we see the mighty armed Rama sable like unto a cloud,
of steady strength, firm in vows, the remover of the world's grief? As
soon as we shall see him, Raghava will remove our sorrow; even as the
Sun arising dispells the darkness of the entire world." Thus cheerfully
carrying on an auspicious talk, the citizens embracing each other went
a!ong. And all others, and the foremost merchants as well as all the
principal classes, joyfully went in quest of Rama. And a number of
gem-cutters, and goodly potters, weavers, and armourers, and
peacock-dancers, sawers, and perforators of gems, glass-makers, and
workers in ivory, cooks, incense-sellers, well-known goldsmiths, and
wool-manufacturers, bathers in tepid water, shampooers, physicians,
makers of _Dhupas_, and wine-sellers, washermen, and tailors, and actors
in numbers with females, and Kaivartas, and persons versed in Vedas
having their minds in control, and Brahmanas of reputed character, and
persons well dressed and attired in pure habits, with their bodies
daubed with coppery unguents, by thousands followed Bharata on carts.
All these gradually followed Bharata by means of excellent vehicles. And
the army delighted and in high spirits went in the wake of Kaikeyi's son
attached unto his brother, going to bring back his brother. Going far by
means of cars, vehicles, elephants, and horses, they arrived at the
Ganga near Sringaverapura, where was peacefully staying that friend of
Rama, the heroic Guha, surrounded by his relatives, ruling the realm.
Having come to the banks of the Ganga graced with Chakravakas, the army
which was following Bharata halted. Seeing the army inactive as well as
the Ganga, of sacred waters, Bharata versed in speech spoke unto the
courtiers, "Do you communicating unto all our intentions, encamp the
army. Having been fatigued, we shall cross the ocean-going Ganga, on the
morrow. Having crossed the stream, I am anxious to offer its water unto
the monarch, who has gone to heaven, in behalf of his spiritual body."
When he had said this, the courtiers with collected minds saying, "Be it
so," disposed their forces, each according to his wish. Having on the
mighty stream, Ganga, quartered his forces furnished with all appliances
for the journey, Bharata remained there, revolving the means of making
the high-souled Rama turn back.