Shloka 2.68.19

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

Devanagari script

विष्णोः पदं प्रेक्षमाणा विपाशांचापि शाल्मलीम्।नदीर्वापी स्तटाकानि पल्वलानि सरांसि च।।2.68.19।।पश्यन्तो विविधांश्चापि सिंहाव्याघ्रमृग द्विपान्।ययुः पथाऽतिमहता शासनं भर्तुरीप्सवः।।2.68.20।।

Transliteration

ābhikālaṃ tataḥ prāpya te bodhibhavanāccyutām | pitṛpaitāmahīṃ puṇyāṃ terur ikṣumatīṃ nadīm || 2.68.17 ||

Translation

From there they reached Ābhikāla and crossed the sacred Ikṣumatī River, flowing down from Bodhibhavana—a blessed land long cherished by Daśaratha’s fathers and forefathers.

Context

Beholding the footprints of Visnu (on Sudama mountain), and seeing Vipasa, and Salmali rivers, trees, streams, deep wells, ponds, pools, large tanks, different kinds oflions, tigers and elephants, they travelled a long distance with the intention of fulfilling the command of their master.

Characters & Entities

• Ābhikāla
• Bodhibhavana
• Ikṣumatī river
• Daśaratha (implied by ancestral reference)

FAQs

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

Dharma is continuity with ancestral responsibility: sacred landscapes and inherited realms are remembered as trusts passed through generations.

What is the narrative situation?

The messengers move through notable places—reaching Ābhikāla and crossing the Ikṣumatī river that arises from Bodhibhavana.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reverent awareness of lineage and sacred space while performing one’s duty.