Shloka 2.68.6

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

Devanagari script

पुरं राजगृहं गत्वा शीघ्रं शीघ्रजवै र्हयैः।त्यक्तशोकैरिदं वाच्य श्शासनाद्भरतो मम।।2.68.6।।

Transliteration

puraṃ rājagṛhaṃ gatvā śīghraṃ śīghra-javair hayaiḥ | tyakta-śokair idaṃ vācyaṃ śāsanād bharato mama || 2.68.6 ||

Translation

“Go quickly on swift horses to the city of Rājagṛha; and, without showing grief, convey these words to Bharata as my directive.”

Context

Go at once from here on swift horses to the city of Rajagrha and concealing signs of grief, convey these words to Bharata as my command:

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Bharata
• Rājagṛha

FAQs

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

Dharma includes prudent communication: one must act truthfully yet wisely, timing difficult truths to prevent harm while ensuring necessary action.

What is the narrative situation?

Vasiṣṭha orders messengers to travel to Rājagṛha and deliver an official summons to Bharata, while masking the court’s grief.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and restraint—maintaining composure to accomplish a critical duty.