भरद्वाजाश्रमप्राप्तिः — Arrival at Bharadvāja’s Hermitage and Counsel toward Citrakūṭa
रात्र्यां तु तस्यां व्युष्टायां भरद्वाजोऽब्रवीदिदम्।मधुमूलफलोपेतं चित्रकूटं व्रजेति ह।।।।
rātryāṁ tu tasyāṁ vyuṣṭāyāṁ bharadvājo ’bravīd idam |
madhumūlaphalopetaṁ citrakūṭaṁ vrajeti ha || 2.54.38 ||
When that night had ended, Bharadvāja said: “Go to Citrakūṭa, rich in honey, roots, and fruits.”
When the night came to a close, Bharadwaja said (to Rama): You may proceed to Chitrakuta which abounds in roots, fruits and honey.
Practical dharma: righteous guidance includes ensuring safety and sustenance for those living by vows—here, directing Rāma to a place fit for forest-life.
At dawn, Bharadvāja gives Rāma concrete instructions to proceed to Citrakūṭa, described as naturally sustaining.
Bharadvāja’s benevolent foresight—he supports Rāma’s vow-bound exile with wise, actionable counsel.