Shloka 2.68.18

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

Devanagari script

अवेक्ष्याञ्जलिपानांश्च ब्राह्मणान्वेदपारगान्।ययुर्मध्येन बाह्लीकान् सुदामानं च पर्वतम्।।2.68.18।।

Transliteration

nikūlavṛkṣam āsādya divyaṃ satyopayācanam | abhigamyābhivādyaṃ taṃ kuliṅgāṃ prāviśan purīm || 2.68.16 ||

Translation

Reaching the divine bank-side tree called Satyopayācana, worthy of reverence, they approached it, paid homage, and then entered the city of Kuliṅgā.

Context

There they saw the brahmins versed in the Vedas and drank water with cupped palms. Then they continued their journey through the middle of Bahlika country, and reached Sudama mountain.

Characters & Entities

• Satyopayācana (divine tree)
• Kuliṅgā (city)

FAQs

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

Dharma includes honoring the sacred and aligning desire with truth (satya): reverence is offered before proceeding with worldly tasks.

What is the narrative situation?

On their route, the messengers reach a revered tree named Satyopayācana, salute it, and then enter Kuliṅgā city.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for sacred tradition alongside efficiency—devotion without abandoning duty.