Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 97, Shloka 30
भरतागमनशङ्कानिवारणम् / Dispelling Suspicion about Bharata’s Arrival
Chitrakuta Encampment
अध्यर्धमिक्ष्वाकुचमूर्योजनं पर्वतस्य सा।पार्श्वे न्यविशदावृत्य गजवाजिरथाकुला।।।।
adhyardham ikṣvākucamūḥ yojanaṃ parvatasya sā |
pārśve nyaviśad āvṛtya gajavājirathākulā ||
That Ikṣvāku army—crowded with elephants, horses, and chariots—spread for more than a yojana and a half and, surrounding the mountain’s flank, made camp beside it.
O protector of honour! even if there were to be some happiness which I could enjoy without you, Bharata, and Satrughna, let it be reduced to ashes by fire.
FAQs
The verse primarily sets the scene; within the broader episode, the army’s presence serves a dharmic mission—reconciliation and rightful conduct—rather than conquest.
Bharata’s forces arrive near the mountain (Citrakūṭa) and establish a large encampment.
Collective discipline and order—an organized royal force moving with purpose under Bharata’s leadership (made explicit in the next verse).