Shloka 2.84.13
गुहस्य सन्देहः, गङ्गातीर-रक्षा, भरतस्य सत्कारः (Guha’s Suspicion, Securing the Ganga Bank, and Hospitality to Bharata)
तस्मात्पश्यतु काकुत्स्थ त्वां निषादाधिपो गुहः।असंशयं विजानीते यत्र तौ रामलक्ष्मणौ।।।।
tasmāt paśyatu kākutstha tvāṃ niṣādādhipo guhaḥ |
asaṃśayaṃ vijānīte yatra tau rāmalakṣmaṇau ||
Therefore, O scion of the Kakutsthas, let Guha, lord of the Niṣādas, meet you; without doubt he will know where Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa are.
O scion of the Kakusthas (Bharata) therefore, give audience to the overlord of the nishadas, Guha, who undoubtedly knows the whereabouts of Rama and Lakshmana.
Seeking truthful guidance: dharmic action is supported by consulting those who truly know the situation, rather than acting on conjecture.
Sumantra urges Bharata to meet Guha, who can reliably indicate Rama and Lakshmana’s whereabouts.
Trust in competent witnesses—valuing grounded knowledge as a basis for right action.