Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 85, Shloka 4
भरत-गुहसंवादः
Bharata and Guha: Trust, Hospitality, and the Burden of Grief
कतरेण गमिष्यामि भरद्वाजाश्रमं गुह।गहनोऽयं भृशं देशो गङ्गाऽनूपो दुरत्ययः।।2.85.4।।
katarena gamiṣyāmi bharadvājāśramaṃ guha |
gahano 'yaṃ bhṛśaṃ deśo gaṅgānūpo duratyayaḥ || 2.85.4 ||
古诃啊，我当循何路方能到达婆罗堕阇仙人的住处？此地沿恒河沼泽之滨，林莽幽密，极难渡越。
O Guha! this region of Ganga with its dense forest is very difficult to cross. How can I reach the hermitage of Bharadwaja?
FAQs
Dharma includes seeking guidance from the wise: Bharata’s aim to reach Bharadvāja’s āśrama signals a commitment to righteous counsel and truthful action rather than impulsive force.
Bharata is navigating difficult terrain near the Gaṅgā while proceeding toward sages and ultimately toward Rama.
Prudence and humility—Bharata asks for local knowledge and guidance instead of assuming authority can overcome all obstacles.