Shloka 2.89.23
गङ्गातरणम् — Bharata’s Ferrying of the Army across the Ganga
स ब्राह्मणस्याऽश्रममभ्युपेत्य महात्मनो देवपुरोहितस्य।ददर्श रम्योटजवृक्षषण्डं महद्वनं विप्रवरस्य रम्यम्।।।।
guhasya vacanaṃ śrutvā tat tu snehād udīritam | rāmasyānuvaśo vākyaṃ bharato 'pīdam abravīt ||
Hearing Guha’s words, spoken out of affection, Bharata—ever obedient to Rāma’s will—replied in these terms.
Approaching the hermitage of Bharadwaja, the eminent brahmin and official priest of the gods, Bharata saw the delightful huts and trees of the charming great forest.ইত্যার্ষে শ্রীমদ্রামাযণে বাল্মীকীয আদিকাব্যে অযোধ্যাকাণ্ডে একোননবতিতমস্সর্গঃ৷৷Thus ends the eightyninth sarga in Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.
Dharma is framed as alignment with the righteous person: Bharata’s identity is defined by fidelity to Rāma’s rightful path and commands.
After Guha’s courteous inquiry, the narration introduces Bharata’s response and highlights his devotion to Rāma.
Bharata’s loyalty and disciplined submission to Rāma’s moral authority.