Shloka 2.68.20

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

viṣṇoḥ padaṃ prekṣamāṇā vipāśāṃ cāpi śālmalīm | nadīr vāpīḥ taṭākāni palvalāni sarāṃsi ca || 2.68.19 ||

paśyanto vividhāṃś cāpi siṃhavyāghramṛgadvipān | yayuḥ pathā'timahatā śāsanaṃ bhartur īpsavaḥ || 2.68.20 ||

Translation

Beholding Viṣṇu’s footprints, and also seeing the Vipāśā and Śālmalī rivers—along with rivers, stepped wells, tanks, pools, and lakes—and observing diverse lions, tigers, deer, and elephants, they travelled a very long road, intent on fulfilling their master’s command.

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 of lions, tigers and elephants, they travelled a long distance with the intention of fulfilling the command of their master.

Characters & Entities

• Viṣṇu (footprints/step-marks)
• Vipāśā river
• Śālmalī river
• stepped wells (vāpīḥ)
• lions
• tigers
• deer/wild animals (mṛga)
• elephants

FAQs

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

Dharma is faithful execution of entrusted orders: even across dangerous terrain and long distances, one perseveres to uphold a legitimate command.

What is the narrative situation?

The messengers traverse a vast landscape—sacred sites, rivers, and wilderness with wild animals—while continuing their mission without turning back.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Perseverance (dhṛti) and obedience to rightful authority—staying committed despite hardship.