Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 72, Shloka 9
भरतस्य मातृसदनगमनं कैकेय्या दारुणवृत्तान्तकथनं च
Bharata in Kaikeyi’s apartments: revelation of Daśaratha’s death and Rāma’s exile
यन्मे धनं च रत्नं च ददौ राजा परन्तपः।परिश्रान्तं पथ्यभवत्ततोऽहं पूर्वमागतः।।2.72.9।।
yan me dhanaṃ ca ratnaṃ ca dadau rājā parantapaḥ | pariśrāntaṃ pathy abhavat tato 'haṃ pūrvam āgataḥ || 2.72.9 ||
The wealth and gems that the enemy-subduing king bestowed on me became exhausted on the journey (through the strain of travel). Therefore I have arrived ahead of the others.
The (horses carrying) the wealth including the gems which the king (of Kekaya), the subduer of enemies had bestowed on me were exhausted on the way. Therefore I have come in advance.
FAQs
The verse reflects practical dharma: responsible reporting and timely action—arriving early to inform/assist when circumstances require, rather than delaying due to possessions or logistics.
During the return from Kekaya, the transport carrying royal gifts becomes strained on the road; the speaker explains why he has reached earlier than the rest.
Promptness and prioritizing duty over material conveyance—placing urgent obligations above the management of wealth and gifts.