Shloka 2.84.12
गुहस्य सन्देहः, गङ्गातीर-रक्षा, भरतस्य सत्कारः (Guha’s Suspicion, Securing the Ganga Bank, and Hospitality to Bharata)
एष ज्ञातिसहस्रेण स्थपतिः परिवारितः।कुशलो दण्डकारण्ये वृद्धो भ्रातुश्च ते सखा।।।।
eṣa jñātisahasreṇa sthapatiḥ parivāritaḥ |
kuśalo daṇḍakāraṇye vṛddho bhrātuś ca te sakhā ||
Here is that chief, surrounded by thousands of his kinsmen—skilled in the ways of the Daṇḍaka forest, an elder, and also your brother’s friend.
Guha who has come here surrounded by too many thousands of his relations is fully acquainted with the Dandaka forest. He is an aged man and a friend of your brother said Sumatra.
Wise counsel in governance: identifying allies by character, experience, and established bonds helps a ruler act rightly and avoid suspicion or rashness.
Sumantra introduces Guha to Bharata, emphasizing Guha’s capability and his friendly ties with Rama.
Prudence and discernment—Sumantra frames Guha as trustworthy through facts (skill, age, friendship).