Valmiki Ramayana 2.71.1-2: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 71, Shlokas 1-2
भरतस्य अयोध्याप्रत्यागमनम् · Bharata’s Return Journey and the Distant Sight of Ayodhya
Setting: On the route departing Rājagṛha; crossings of Sudāmā, Hlādinī, and ŚatadrūPlaces named: Rājagṛha, Sudāmā, Hlādinī, ŚatadrūOverland march with successive river crossings
स प्राङ्मुखो राजगृहादभिनिर्याय राघवः ।
ततस्सुदामां द्युतिमान् सन्तीर्यावेक्ष्य तां नदीम् ॥१॥
ह्लादिनीं दूरपारां च प्रत्यक्स्रोतस्तरङ्गिणीम् ।
शतद्रूमतरच्छ्रीमान्नदीमिक्ष्वाकुनन्दनः ॥२॥
sa prāṅmukho rājagṛhād abhiniryāya rāghavaḥ |
tataḥ sudāmāṃ dyutimān santīryāvekṣya tāṃ nadīm ||1||
hlādinīṃ dūrapārāṃ ca pratyaksrotastaraṅgiṇīm |
śatadrūm atarat śrīmān nadīm ikṣvākunandanaḥ ||2||
«خرج الراغهَفا المتلألئ من راجغِرها (Rājagṛha) ووجهُه إلى الشرق؛ ثمّ بعد أن نظر إلى نهر سوداما (Sudāmā) عبره، وعبر أيضاً نهر هلاديني (Hlādinī) الواسع البعيد الضفّة، ونهر شتادرو (Śatadrū) البهيّ المتموّج، الجاري بتيّارٍ إلى الغرب.»
Sandhi Notes
- स प्राङ्मुखो = सः प्राङ्मुखः
- राजगृहादभिनिर्याय = राजगृहात् अभिनिर्याय
- ततस्सुदामाम् = ततः सुदामाम्
- सन्तीर्यावेक्ष्य = सन्तीर्य आवेक्ष्य
Glorious and prosperous prince Bharata, the delight of the Ikshvaku race, set out from Rajagriha, took the eastern direction, and observing the course of the river Sudama crossed Hladini and Satadru rivers which were very wide and flowing westwards crested with waves.
The teaching
Steady progress through successive obstacles is itself a form of dharma—movement without agitation.
- Ethical theme
- Steadfastness/discipline
For your practice
Japa/meditation support: visualize ‘crossing’ inner obstacles with Rāma-like steadiness.
Mood and themes
- Rasa
- Vira (heroism), with Shanta (peace)
- Mood
- Journeying, resolute, clear
Themes
- Dharma
- Itihasa
- Journey
- Royal responsibility
- Urgency
Crossing rivers mirrors crossing saṃsāra’s currents through steadiness (dhṛti) and right orientation (prāṅmukhatā as symbolic of auspicious resolve).
The ‘crossing over’ motif recalls tarati śokam/saṃsāram—one who knows/steadies crosses beyond.
- Rama and Sumantra
- Leader guided by attendant during travel (purposeful, composed)
Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 2.72.1-2.72.2 (itinerary-style river crossings); Mahābhārata, vana-yātrā passages (itinerary cataloging of rivers—structural parallel)
Vedic reverence for nadīs as life-givers and boundaries
Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 2.70-2.73 (Bharata’s journey sequence; geography as narrative pacing)
Anuṣṭup (śloka)
Narrative
Brisk madhyama tempo; clear udātta on river names
FAQs
Dharma is shown as promptness in duty: Bharata’s movement toward Ayodhya signals responsibility to family and kingdom, placing obligation above ease.
Bharata departs from Rājagṛha and proceeds eastward, crossing successive rivers on the route back toward Ayodhya.
Diligence and resolve—Bharata advances steadily across difficult terrain, reflecting steadfast commitment to rightful conduct.
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