Shloka 2.98.18
चित्रकूटप्रवेशः — Bharata Enters the Forest Toward Chitrakuta
स चित्रकूटे तु गिरौ निशम्यव रामाश्रमं पुण्यजनोपपन्नम्।गुहेन सार्धं त्वरितो जगाम पुनर्निवेश्यैव चमूं महात्मा।।2.98.18।।
taṃ dṛṣṭvā bharataḥ śrīmān mumoda saha bāndhavaḥ |
atra rāma iti jñātvā gataḥ pāram ivāmbhasaḥ ||2.98.17||
Seeing it, the illustrious Bharata rejoiced with his kinsmen; knowing, “Rama is here,” he felt like one who, having crossed the waters, has reached the far shore.
Having heard of Rama's hermitage on the Chitrakuta mountain inhabited by pious men, magnanimous Bharata, commanded his army to stay at a distance, and quickly proceeded with Guha.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē ayōdhyākāṇḍē aṣṭanavatitamassargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the ninetyeighth sarga in Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.
Dharma is portrayed as relief through rightful reunion—Bharata’s joy signals his sincere intention to restore truth and righteousness regarding Rama’s kingship.
Bharata recognizes signs of Rama’s presence (smoke from the hermitage) and is emotionally assured he has found him.
Bharata’s sincerity and longing to do what is right (dharma-buddhi) are emphasized.