Shloka 2.85.22
भरत-गुहसंवादः (Bharata and Guha: Trust, Hospitality, and the Burden of Grief)
गुहेन सार्धं भरतस्समागतो महानुभावस्सजनस्समाहितः।सुदुर्मनास्तं भरतं तदा पुनर्गुह स्समाश्वासयदग्रजं प्रति।।2.85.22।।
guhena sārdhaṃ bharataḥ samāgato mahānubhāvaḥ sa-janaḥ samāhitaḥ |
su-durmanās taṃ bharataṃ tadā punaḥ guhaḥ samāśvāsayad agrajaṃ prati || 2.85.22 ||
Bharata, noble in spirit, came together with Guha, accompanied by his people, steadying his mind; and then Guha, though deeply troubled, once again consoled Bharata concerning his elder brother, Rāma.
Bharata, a man of great magnanimity, joined Guha together with his people with composed mind. Then Guha, greatly distraught, again consoled Bharata regarding his elder brother Rama.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē ayōdhyākāṇḍē pañcāśītitamassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the eightyfifth sarga in Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.
Dharma includes sustaining others through crisis: Guha’s reassurance and Bharata’s composure illustrate social dharma—mutual support, truthful counsel, and steadiness when moral order is shaken.
Bharata is in Guha’s region (Niṣāda territory) while moving to meet Rama. Guha remains anxious about Bharata’s intentions but continues to counsel and comfort him.
Bharata’s self-control (samāhita) and Guha’s loyal concern—vigilance joined with hospitality and care.