( Painting Courtesy: Sri K V Bhima Rao)

King of the country of Nishadas on banks of the river Ganga. (Glossary for the Vahinis)

Guha alerted his community and all its members to be prepared for the imminent battle. Then, he got ready to meet Bharat in order to discover whether he had come as foe, or as friend, or whether he was neutral, only a passing visitor, who need not be worried about. Knowing Bharat was a Prince of Imperial lineage, he secured as offering to be presented to him large quantities of flowers, fish, flesh and fruits. He planned to discover the innate intent of Bharat by noting his reactions to the various articles that were offered to him. Roots and tubers and fruits are Sattvika food. If he preferred them, he must be reckoned a friend. The flesh of slain animals is Rajasika food. Preference for that type of food would mark out the middle of the road’ neutral, who is neither ally nor adversary. Fish, if accepted eagerly would indicate a foe, for they are Tamasika items of food.

Taking with him these offerings, Guha, the Chieftain of the Nishadas, proceeded to the presence of Bharat. Good omens greeted him at the first step. His eyes fell on the Sage Vashistha. He ran forward and fell at his feet, announcing himself by name. The Preceptor recognised him as the companion of Rama. He blessed the Chieftain, and calling Bharat to his side, he spoke to him of Guha as the friend.

As soon as those words fell on his ears, Bharat embraced Guha warmly, and showered questions Om him about his health and welfare. Bharat prompted Guha to relate to him how he met Rama. When Guha mentioned how Rama spent one whole night with him on the banks ofthe selfsame river, Bharat showed great earnestness to listen to the description of that night. His eyes and ears were panting with thirst for the nectar of that narrative. ((R K R V Part I p 424/425)