Shloka 2.99.6
चित्रकूटप्राप्तिः — Bharata Reaches Chitrakuta and Beholds Rama
स लक्ष्मणस्य रामस्य ददर्शाऽश्रममीयुषः।कृतं वृक्षेष्वभिज्ञानं कुशचीरैः क्वचित्क्वचित्।।2.99.6।।
manye prāptāḥ sma taṁ deśaṁ bharadvājo yam abravīt |
nātidūre hi manye ’haṁ nadīṁ mandākinīm itaḥ || 2.99.9 ||
“I think we have reached the region of which Bharadvāja spoke; from here, I believe the river Mandākinī is not far.”
Bharata beheld here and there knots of kusa grass and strips of bark tied on trees as signs to ascertain the way to the hermitage of Rama and Lakshmana.
Truthful, grounded speech in service of duty: Bharata communicates carefully (“I think…”) while pursuing a righteous meeting, showing responsibility rather than arrogance.
Bharata identifies the area described earlier by sage Bharadvāja and estimates their proximity to the Mandākinī.
Prudence and sincerity—Bharata relies on trustworthy guidance and speaks with measured certainty.