In the previous episode we witnessed Bharata commencing his journey towards the forest in pursuit of his brothers Rama and Lakshmana. The three queens of King Dasharata, Kaushalya, Sumithra and Kaikeyi join his pursuit along with Sage Vasishtaachaarya. A slew of citizens of Ayodhya too join them as they pass through the streets of the city. Thus, the entire groups of people reach Shringiberapuram under the guidance of Sumanthra, the charioteer. It is to be remembered that Shringiberapuram is the dwelling place of Guha – Leader of the hunter community.
Thus the entire army of people are now marching towards Guha’s hamlet and the moment Guha sees the ultra-huge army, Guha was surprised and at the same time, furious with anger! He got an impression that Bharata is coming along with his army to fight a battle against Rama and Lakshmana and to “formally” take over Ayodhya after killing both of them! As the army nears Guha’s hamlet, Bharata witnesses the River Ganga in awe! Even today if we go and see the mighty River Ganga, we would not be able to view the other end of the riverbank from this end! Such a mighty and a huge river is the Ganges! Once Guha saw the flag of Ayodhya along with the people who follow it, he immediately sent a message to all his followers to prepare for a war with Bharata and Co. The message was, “Bharata is coming along with his huge army to kill Rama! We should stop him from advancing further!”
Kamba Naadar in his Ramayana text in Tamil beautifully portrays this scene in the following “Paasuram”:
“Kattiya surigaiyin kaditha vaayinan vettiya mudiyinan vizikkum theeyinan!
Kottiya thuli kurikkum kittiyadhu por ena gangai iru karai udayaan!!”
Here, Kamba Naadar explains the angry talk of Guha, upon seeing Bharata and his group of people. He says how Guha sends the message to his followers to be ready to wage a war against Bharata. He describes Guha’s speech as “Vettiya mudiyinan”, which means that Guha is extremely crisp and blunt in what he wants to convey and doesn’t mess around with words! In other words, Kamba Naadar describes Guha as a “No-nonsense” person! Normally people in villages speak this way – even today! They do not know to beat around the bush as we do! Kamba Naadar continues further and says, “Kattiya surigaiyin” which means, Guha is tying his belt around his waist, with a force such that even the fiercest enemy would tremble in front of him! He continues further, “vizikkum theeyinan” which means, his eyes were looking at Bharata like fire! His fury was evident in his eyes!
Thus, Guha sends across the message to all of his messengers and followers and asks them to assemble around him, to take on Bharata and army! He was determined not to let Bharata advance even one step towards Rama! Thus, Guha and his followers were waiting for Bharata’s army to come nearer. We shall also wait till the next episode for Bharata to come near Guha and see what Guha thinks of Bharata once he has a closer look!
The Indian Dharma 