Valmiki Ramayana 2.92.8: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 92, Shloka 8
भरद्वाजाश्रमात् चित्रकूटमार्गनिर्देशः · Directions from Bharadvaja’s Hermitage to Chitrakuta
Spoken by Bharata to BharadvajaSetting: Bharadvāja’s āśrama (starting point)Places named: āśrama (Rāma’s)Seeking directions and distance to Rāma’s āśrama (Citrakūṭa region implied)
आश्रमं तस्य धर्मज्ञ धार्मिकस्य महात्मनः ।
आचक्ष्व कतमो मार्गः कियानिति च शंस मे ॥८॥
āśramaṃ tasya dharmajña dhārmikasya mahātmanaḥ |
ācakṣva katamo mārgaḥ kiyān iti ca śaṃsa me ||8||
يا عارفَ الدharma، صفْ لي مَنسكَ ذلك العظيم النفس البارّ: أيُّ طريقٍ يفضي إليه، وكم يبعد عن هنا؟
Sandhi Notes
- कियानिति = कियान् + इति (न् + इ → नि)
O knower of righteousness! Tell me which path leads to the hermitage of that righteous and magnanimous one (Rama)? And how far is it (from here)?
The teaching
When the goal is dharma, seek precise guidance—means (mārga) and measure (distance)—from the dharma-knower; clarity prevents harm and haste.
- Ethical theme
- Sadācāra / prudent action
For your practice
In practice, define the ‘path’ and ‘distance’ to your vow—concrete steps and realistic measure—under guidance of the wise.
Mood and themes
- Rasa
- Shanta (peace), with Karuna (compassion)
- Mood
- Inquiring, reverent, intent
Themes
- Dharma
- Maryada
- Itihasa
- Ethics
- Pilgrimage/approach to the righteous
Asking ‘which path and how far’ mirrors the seeker’s inquiry into sādhanā—means and measure—toward the goal; the ‘āśrama’ becomes a symbol of the inner refuge of dharma.
Inquiry (praśna) to the knower recalls the Upaniṣadic method: approaching the wise with questions about the way (mārga) to the highest good.
- Bharata and Bharadvaja
- Seeker asking guidance (mārga-praśna) (trusting)
- Bharata and Rama
- Brother seeking reunion and service (devoted)
Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 2.93 (route onward toward Citrakūṭa; meeting with Rāma); Rāmacaritamānasa Ayodhyākāṇḍa (Bharata’s journey to Citrakūṭa and inquiries)
Upaniṣadic praśna-tradition (questioning the knower)
Ayodhyākāṇḍa: repeated epithet ‘dhārmika/mahātmā’ for Rāma; forest-route guidance by sages
Anuṣṭup (śloka)
Commanding
Clear interrogative cadence, slightly raised udātta on questions
FAQs
Dharma is framed as purposeful seeking of the righteous: Bharata’s urgency to reach the dhārmika (Rāma) reflects commitment to truth, reconciliation, and rightful order.
Bharata asks Bharadvāja for directions and distance to Rāma’s hermitage so he can proceed without delay.
Earnestness in right action—Bharata prioritizes meeting Rāma and restoring what is ethically proper.
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