Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 84

Meaning

The moment Guha, the chief of the Niṣādas, saw the army of Bharata encamped along the bank of the river Gaṅgā, he now spoke as follows to his kinsmen sitting around him : (1)

Meaning

“Even from this place this huge army appears like a sea. Though pondering deeply, I do not perceive its end even with the mind. (2)

Meaning

“If Bharata—who has surely come in person because here is seen that towering banner bearing the device of a Kovidāra tree on the chariot—has evil intent, he will either cause us to be bound with chains or kill us, who are devoted to Śrī Rāma, the eldest son of Daśaratha, exiled from his kingdom by his father. (3-4)

Meaning

“Seeking to possess the entire fortune of that monarch, Śrī Rāma, which is otherwise most difficult to get, Bharata, the son of Kaikeyī, has taken it into his head to kill him. (5)

Meaning

“Śrī Rāma, son of Daśaratha, is my lord and friend, too. Therefore, seeking to advance his interests, remain stationed on this bank of the Gaṅgā, clothed with mail. (6)

Meaning

Let all my ferrymen, accompanied by troops, remain rooted to the bank of the river Gaṅgā, guarding access to the river and living on meat, roots and fruits stored in the boats. (7)

Meaning

“And let one hundred each youthful fishermen, clothed with mail occupy all of the five hundred boats,” so did Guha issue his commands. (8)

Meaning

“If, however, Bharata proves to be favourably disposed towards Śrī Rāma at this moment, this army will be allowed to cross safely the Gaṅgā today.” (9)

Meaning

Saying so and taking sugar-candy, the pulp of fruits and honey as an offering, Guha, the chief of the Niṣādas, proceeded to meet Bharata. (10)

Meaning

Vividly perceiving him coming, the glorious Sumantra (the son of a charioteer) for his part, who knew what is called for at a particular time, forthwith spoke to Bharata as follows like a humble servant : (11)

Meaning

“Attended by a thousand of his kinsmen, here comes Guha, the sovereign lord of the Niṣādas, who is a senior friend of your elder brother, Śrī Rāma, and is closely acquainted with the Daṇḍaka forest. Therefore, allow him to see you, O scion of Kakutstha ! Doubtless he knows well where the celebrated Śrī Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa may be.” (12-13)

Meaning

Hearing this pleasing report from the lips of Sumantra, Bharata for his part made the following reply : “Let Guha see me at once.” (14)

Meaning

Immensely rejoiced to receive permission to see the prince and approaching Bharata, Guha, who was surrounded by his kinsmen, meekly submitted as follows : (15)

Meaning

“This territory is but a pleasure-grove attached to your palace and we have been taken in by our unwariness in failing to know of your visit beforehand (and thus being deprived of an opportunity to receive you in advance). We hereby offer you all that we have; pray, dwell in the house of a ferryman, which is your own. (16)

Meaning

“Here are roots and fruits, both green and dried, procured by the Niṣādas (a tribe of fishermen, Guha’s own clansmen) themselves as well as the pulp of fruits and wild cereals of various kinds. (17)

Meaning

“I hope the army, being well fed by us, will stay here tonight. Entertained with various objects of enjoyment, you too, I hope, will leave with your army only tomorrow.” (18)