Shloka 2.69.17

भरतस्य दुःस्वप्नदर्शनम् — Bharata’s Ominous Dream

Devanagari script

एवमेतन्मया दृष्टमिमां रात्रिं भयावहम्।अहं रामोऽथवा राजा लक्ष्मणो वा मरिष्यति।।।।

Transliteration

evam etan mayā dṛṣṭam imāṃ rātriṃ bhayāvaham | ahaṃ rāmo 'thavā rājā lakṣmaṇo vā mariṣyati ||

Translation

Such was the terrifying dream I saw last night: either I, or Rāma, or the king, or Lakṣmaṇa will die.

Context

I had such a frightful dream last night. Either I, Rama, the king or Lakshmana might die.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• rājā (Daśaratha, implied)

FAQs

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

Truthful acknowledgment of danger is part of dharma: Bharata does not conceal his fear or distort it for advantage. The verse models honesty and responsibility—naming the potential loss and thereby prompting timely, righteous response.

What is the narrative situation?

After listing ominous images, Bharata states his inference plainly: the dream foretells death within the immediate royal circle—himself, Rama, the king, or Lakshmana.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Candor and familial concern: Bharata includes himself among those at risk, showing he is not calculating but genuinely distressed for all.