Shloka 2.99.12
चित्रकूटप्राप्तिः — Bharata Reaches Chitrakuta and Beholds Rama
यमेवाधातुमिच्छन्ति तापसा स्सततं वने।तस्यासौ दृश्यते धूम स्सङ्कुलः कृष्णवर्त्मनः।।2.99.12।।
yam evādhātum icchanti tāpasāḥ satataṁ vane |
tasyāsau dṛśyate dhūmaḥ saṅkulaḥ kṛṣṇa-vartmanaḥ ||2.99.12||
Behold there the dense smoke, trailing dark, rising from the sacred fire that the forest ascetics wish to keep ever kindled.
Here is the thick smoke emanating from the black-trailed fire maintained perpetually by the ascetics living in the forest.
The verse highlights ritual steadfastness and disciplined living: maintaining the sacred fire symbolizes continuity of dharma through daily responsibility, restraint, and reverence.
As Bharata nears Chitrakūṭa, he points out visible signs of ascetic life—especially the perpetually tended sacred fire—indicating proximity to hermit dwellings.
Respect for holy practice and attentiveness to dharmic signs in the landscape—Bharata recognizes ascetic discipline and treats it as worthy of notice and honor.