Shloka 38
Pūru-vaṁśa, Duṣmanta–Śakuntalā, and the Rise of Mahārāja Bharata
मूढे भर द्वाजमिमं भर द्वाजं बृहस्पते । यातौ यदुक्त्वा पितरौ भरद्वाजस्ततस्त्वयम् ॥ ३८ ॥
mūḍhe bhara dvājam imaṁ bhara dvājaṁ bṛhaspate yātau yad uktvā pitarau bharadvājas tatas tv ayam
Bṛhaspati said to Mamatā, “Foolish woman, though this child was born in one man’s wife by another man’s seed, you must still maintain him—Bharadvāja.” Mamatā replied, “O Bṛhaspati, you maintain Bharadvāja!” Saying so, both departed, and thus the child became known as Bharadvāja.
FAQs
This verse links the name “Bharadvāja” with the act of “bearing/carrying the banner (dvāja),” indicating an etymological explanation for how he came to be known by that name.
Śukadeva Gosvāmī narrates the episode, quoting speech addressed to Bṛhaspati, explaining how Bharadvāja’s name became established after the parents departed.
Even brief actions and spoken words can shape identity and legacy; devotees can apply this by being mindful of speech and responsibilities, carrying their duties in dharma with sincerity.