Shloka 2.68.1

दूतप्रेषणम् — Dispatch of Messengers to Kekaya (Bharata’s Recall)

Devanagari script

तेषां हि वचनं श्रुत्वा वसिष्ठः प्रत्युवाच ह।मित्रामात्यगणान्सर्वान्ब्राह्मणांस्तानिदं वचः।।2.68.1।।

Transliteration

teṣāṃ hi vacanaṃ śrutvā vasiṣṭhaḥ pratyuvāca ha | mitrāmātyagaṇān sarvān brāhmaṇāṃs tān idaṃ vacaḥ ||

Translation

Having heard their words, Vasiṣṭha replied; and to all those groups of friends and ministers, and to the brāhmaṇas as well, he spoke these words.

Context

Having listened to their (the counsellors') words, Vasistha replied to the host of friends and counsellors of the king and to all the brahmins:

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• brāhmaṇas
• ministers (amātyas)

FAQs

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

Dharma works through wise counsel: in crisis, the guru-priest guides rulers and ministers toward lawful, stabilizing action.

What is the narrative situation?

After the ministers urge immediate kingship arrangements, Vasiṣṭha begins his formal response to the assembled leaders and priests.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vasiṣṭha’s authority and discernment—calm, procedural leadership grounded in tradition and duty.