Rama Meets His Friend Guha (Ramayana Series 34)

Crossing the beautiful and vast southern boundary of the Kosala kingdom, Śrī Rama turned back toward Ayodhya. Folding his hands in reverence, he prayed to the presiding deity of the sacred city:

“O divine guardian of Ayodhya, the most glorious among all cities of the world, protected by the kings of the Kakutstha lineage! I seek your permission to dwell in the forest. After completing fourteen years of exile and freeing myself from the debt owed to King Daśaratha, I shall return and behold you again along with my father and mother.”

Having spoken thus, Rama stood with tear-filled eyes, his face moistened by sorrow and compassion. Raising his arm gently, he addressed the villagers who had gathered to see him:

“O people! You have shown me great affection and kindness. But it is not proper to remain forever in grief. Return now and attend to your duties at home.”

Hearing these words, the villagers circumambulated the noble prince and bowed before him. Unable to bear the pain of separation, they wept bitterly. Though they gazed upon Rama again and again, their hearts were never satisfied. As night gradually fell and the sun disappeared from sight, Rama too slowly vanished from their view.

Leaving the land of Kosala and proceeding toward the forests, Rama travelled along a middle path that passed through flourishing regions adorned with green fields, beautiful gardens, and prosperous kingdoms governed by many vassal kings. As he journeyed further, he beheld the sacred River Ganga, the divine river that flows through heaven, earth, and the netherworld. Born of celestial realms, the Ganga was adorned with holy waters, free from impurities, and revered by sages and great ascetics.

Seeing the majestic river whose waves and whirlpools sparkled in the light, the great warrior Rama said to Sumantra:

“Sumantra, let us halt here for the night. Nearby stands a great Ingudi tree, filled with flowers and tender leaves. Let us rest here and behold the sacred Ganga—the most auspicious among all rivers, revered by gods, gandharvas, humans, birds, and animals alike.”

Hearing Rama’s words, Lakshmana and Sumantra agreed at once. Together with Sita and Rama, they went near the great Ingudi tree. The noble descendant of the Ikshvaku dynasty, Rama, alighted from the chariot with Sita and Lakshmana and rested beside that beautiful tree.

In the region of Shringaverapura lived a mighty and loyal friend of Rama—a powerful chieftain of the Nishada tribe named Guha, the king of the Nishadas. When Guha heard that the lion-like Rama had arrived in his land, he hastened to meet him, accompanied by elders, ministers, and kinsmen.

Seeing his dear friend approaching from afar, Rama moved forward with Lakshmana to greet him.

When Guha saw Rama dressed in garments of bark, his heart filled with sorrow. Embracing Rama tightly, he said with deep affection:

“Just as Ayodhya belongs to you, so too does this city of Shringaverapura. As the kingdom of Kosala is yours, this land is also yours. Command me, O mighty prince—what service shall I perform for you? Blessed indeed am I to receive such a noble guest, a man of virtue and righteousness like you.”

Rama replied with warmth and gratitude:

“My friend, by coming here on foot with your companions to see us, you have shown the depth of your love. For that alone we feel honoured by you. But now I wear garments of bark and have taken upon myself the duty of obeying my father’s command. I shall live as an ascetic in the forest, sustaining myself only on roots and fruits.

Therefore, I ask nothing from you except fodder for these horses. By providing food for them, you will have honoured me well. My father, King Daśaratha, loved these horses dearly. Thus, by caring for them, you will give me great satisfaction.”

Upon hearing these words, Guha immediately summoned his attendants and ordered them to provide abundant grass and water for the horses.

Thus began the next chapter of Rama’s exile, amidst the sacred presence of the Ganga and the unwavering friendship of Guha.