Shloka 2.69.18

भरतस्य दुःस्वप्नदर्शनम् — Bharata’s Ominous Dream

Devanagari script

नरो यानेन य स्स्वप्ने स्वरयुक्तेन याति हि।अचिरात्तस्य धूमाग्रं चितायां सम्प्रदृश्यते।।।।

Transliteration

naro yānena yaḥ svapne kharayuktena yāti hi | acirāt tasya dhūmāgraṃ citāyāṃ sampradṛśyate ||

Translation

For if a man is seen in a dream traveling in a carriage yoked with asses, before long the curling smoke rising from his funeral pyre is seen—such is the omen.

Context

If one beholds in a dream a person setting out on a carriage yoked to asses, the wreath of smoke ascending from his funeral pyre will be seen soon.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• khara (asses)
• citā (funeral pyre)
• dhūma (smoke)

FAQs

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

The ethical emphasis is preparedness and truthful discernment: recognizing signs (rightly or wrongly) should lead one to act responsibly—seeking facts, protecting others, and avoiding rash harm—rather than indulging superstition for manipulation.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata supports his fear by citing a conventional rule of dream-omens: travel by an ass-yoked vehicle foretells imminent death and cremation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Seriousness and concern for consequences: Bharata treats the dream as a warning demanding immediate attention, not as entertainment.