Shloka 2.113.2

पादुकाप्रदानं भरतस्य निवृत्तिश्च (The Sandals Bestowed; Bharata’s Return Toward Ayodhya)

Devanagari script

वसिष्ठो वामदेवश्च जाबालिश्च दृढव्रतः।अग्रतः प्रययु स्सर्वे मन्त्रिणो मन्त्रपूजिताः।।।।

Transliteration

vasiṣṭho vāmadevaś ca jābāliś ca dṛḍhavrataḥ | agrataḥ prayayuḥ sarve mantriṇo mantrapūjitāḥ ||

Translation

Vasiṣṭha, Vāmadeva, and Jābāli—steadfast in their vows—together with all the ministers honored for their counsel, proceeded at the front.

Context

Vasishta, Vamadeva, Jabali of rigorous penance and all the ministers honoured for their counsel proceeded ahead.

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Vāmadeva
• Jābāli
• ministers (mantriṇaḥ)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Rajadharma values guided leadership: those revered for wise counsel and disciplined vows take the lead, signaling that righteous governance proceeds with tested advisors and self-restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

As Bharata’s party travels, senior sages and royal ministers move ahead, organizing and guiding the procession.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Disciplined wisdom—steadfast vows (dṛḍha-vrata) and respected counsel (mantra) as the basis of rightful action.