Bharadvája

Family: Hermits · Role: pupil of Válmíki · First appears: Book I, Canto 2 · Brahmá’s Visit

In Book I, Canto 2, Válmíki turned to his pupil Bharadvája to show him a sight. In Book II, Canto 54, Bharadvája welcomed Ráma, Lakshmaṇ, and Sítá at Prayág and provided them a cottage. When Ráma declined his offer to stay at the hermitage, Bharadvája advised him to make his home at Chitrakúṭa; in the next canto he blessed the three before they continued on their way.

In Book II, Canto 90, Bharadvája greeted Vaśishṭha as a friend. In Canto 91 he created a miraculous feast and dwelling for Bharat’s army, whose night there was spent in revelry, while Alambúshá, Miśrakeśí, Ramaṇá, and Puṇḍríká danced at his command. In Canto 92, he gave Bharat counsel as Bharat set out toward Ráma’s retreat. Later, in Book VI, Canto 126, Bharadvája granted Ráma’s request to make the road to Ayodhyá fruitful and flowering.

Relationship record

Life events

• Bharadvája welcomed Ráma, Lakshmaṇ, and Sítá as guests and provided them a cottage.(Book II, Canto 54 · Bharadvája’s Hermitage · 📍 Prayág)
  • With: Ráma Lakshmaṇ Sítá
  • “The saint these honours gladly paid To Ráma who had thither strayed, Then compassed sat by birds and deer And many a hermit resting near.”
• Ráma declined Bharadvája’s offer to stay in the hermitage, asking for a quieter home.(Book II, Canto 54 · Bharadvája’s Hermitage · 📍 Prayág)
  • With: Ráma
  • “My honoured lord, this tranquil spot, Fair home of hermits, suits me not: For all the neighbouring people here Will seek us when they know me near:”
• Bharadvája advised Ráma to make his home at Chitrakúṭa during his exile.(Book II, Canto 54 · Bharadvája’s Hermitage · 📍 Chitrakúṭa)
  • With: Ráma
  • “Go forth to Chitrakúṭa’s hill, Where berries grow, and sweets distil: Full well, I deem, that home will suit Thee, Ráma, strong and resolute.”
• Bharadvája blessed Ráma, Lakshmaṇ, and Sítá before they continued on their way.(Book II, Canto 55 · The Passage Of Yamuná)
  • With: Ráma Lakshmaṇ Sítá
  • “High favour Bharadvája showed, And blessed them ready for the road.”
• Bharadvája created a miraculous feast and dwelling for Bharat’s army, which spent the night in revelry.(Book II, Canto 91 · Bharadvája’s Feast)
  • With: Bharat
  • “Thus in the hermit’s grove they spent That night in joy and merriment, Blest as the Gods who take their ease Under the shade of Nandan’s trees.”
• Bharadvája grants Ráma’s request to make the road to Ayodhyá fruitful and flowering.(Book VI, Canto 126 · Bharat Consoled)
  • With: Ráma
  • “The hero ceased: the hermit bent His reverend head in glad assent; And swift, as Bharadvája willed, The prayer of Ráma was fulfilled.”

Book I, Canto 2 · Brahmá’s Visit

• mentor: Válmíki “To Bharadvája by his side He turned in ecstasy, and cried: “See, pupil dear, this lovely sight,”