Shloka 2.85.4
भरत-गुहसंवादः (Bharata and Guha: Trust, Hospitality, and the Burden of Grief)
कतरेण गमिष्यामि भरद्वाजाश्रमं गुह।गहनोऽयं भृशं देशो गङ्गाऽनूपो दुरत्ययः।।2.85.4।।
katarena gamiṣyāmi bharadvājāśramaṃ guha |
gahano 'yaṃ bhṛśaṃ deśo gaṅgānūpo duratyayaḥ || 2.85.4 ||
O Guha, by which route may I reach Bharadvāja’s hermitage? This tract along the marshy banks of the Gaṅgā is dense and exceedingly hard to cross.
O Guha! this region of Ganga with its dense forest is very difficult to cross. How can I reach the hermitage of Bharadwaja?
Dharma includes seeking guidance from the wise: Bharata’s aim to reach Bharadvāja’s āśrama signals a commitment to righteous counsel and truthful action rather than impulsive force.
Bharata is navigating difficult terrain near the Gaṅgā while proceeding toward sages and ultimately toward Rama.
Prudence and humility—Bharata asks for local knowledge and guidance instead of assuming authority can overcome all obstacles.