Shloka 2.68.14

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

Devanagari script

ते हस्तिनापुरे गङ्गां तीर्त्वा प्रत्यङ्मुखा ययुः।पाञ्चालदेशमासाद्य मध्येन कुरुजाङ्गलम्।।2.68.13।।सरांसि च सुपूर्णानि नदीश्च विमलोदकाः।निरीक्षमाणा स्ते जग्मुर्दूताः कार्यवशाद्द्रुतम्।।2.68.14।।

Transliteration

yad asau mātulakule dattarājyaṃ paraṃ sukhī | bharato vasati bhrātrā śatrughnēna samanvitaḥ || 2.68.2 ||

Translation

Since Bharata—upon whom the kingdom has been bestowed—dwells in great happiness in his maternal uncle’s household, together with his brother Śatrughna,

Context

The messengers crossed Ganga at Hastinapura, and went in the westerly direction through the middle of Kurujangala and reached the country of Panchala. Beholding lakes full of water and rivers of pellucid waters there, they travelled fast with a view to fulfilling their mission.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Śatrughna
• mātula-kula (maternal uncle’s household; Kekaya court implied)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is prompt responsibility in governance: when the kingdom’s stability is at stake, leaders must act decisively and call the rightful stakeholders without delay.

What is the narrative situation?

In Ayodhya, after the crisis around the throne, the elders note that Bharata is away at his maternal uncle’s place with Śatrughna, setting up the decision to summon them.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Administrative duty and urgency—placing the kingdom’s welfare above hesitation.