Shloka 2.68.16

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

Devanagari script

निकूलवृक्षमासाद्य दिव्यं सत्योपयाचनम्।अभिगम्याभिवाद्यं तं कुलिङ्गां प्राविशन्पुरीम्।।2.68.16।।

Transliteration

sarāṃsi ca supūrṇāni nadīś ca vimalodakāḥ | nirīkṣamāṇās te jagmur dūtāḥ kāryavaśād drutam || 2.68.14 ||

Translation

Beholding lakes brimming with water and rivers whose streams were clear and pure, those messengers hastened on, driven by the urgency of their task.

Context

They reached a divine tree (of great powers) known as Satyopayachana tree and having gone round and paid homage they entered the Kulinga city.

Characters & Entities

• messengers (dūtāḥ)
• lakes (sarāṃsi)
• rivers (nadyaḥ)

FAQs

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

Dharma is steadfast duty: even amid natural beauty, one remains focused on the entrusted mission.

What is the narrative situation?

The messengers travel rapidly through the countryside, noticing abundant waters, but not stopping because their summons is urgent.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Single-minded diligence (kāryaniṣṭhā)—commitment to completing an assignment.