Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 72, Shloka 14
भरतस्य मातृसदनगमनं कैकेय्या दारुणवृत्तान्तकथनं च
Bharata in Kaikeyi’s apartments: revelation of Daśaratha’s death and Rāma’s exile
तं प्रत्युवाच कैकेयी प्रियवद्घोरमप्रियम्।अजानन्तं प्रजानन्ती राज्यलोभेन मोहिता।।2.72.14।।
vāsaṃ kṛtvā sarvatīrthe tīrtvā cottānikāṃ nadīm |
anyā nadīś ca vividhāḥ pārvatīyais turaṅgamaiḥ ||2.72.14||
hastipṛṣṭhakam āsādya kuṭikām atyavartata |
tatāra ca naravyāghro lauhitye sa kapīvatīm ||2.72.15||
After halting at Sarvatīrtha, he crossed the river Uttānikā and many other streams using mountain-bred horses. Mounting an elephant, the tiger among men crossed the Kuṭikā, and at Lauhitya he also forded the Kapīvatī.
That tiger among men, Bharata halted at a place known as Sarvatirtha and crossed the Uttanika and various other rivers with the help of hill-born horses. He crossed the Kutika river on an elephant the river Kapivati at a place known as Lauhitya.
FAQs
Dharma is perseverance in rightful responsibility—Bharata overcomes obstacles and continues, reflecting steadfast commitment to what is morally required.
The text catalogs crossings and travel methods (horses, elephant) as Bharata advances toward Ayodhya through multiple waterways.
Fortitude (dhairya) and adaptability—he uses appropriate means to ensure progress and safety.