Shloka 2.69.20

भरतस्य दुःस्वप्नदर्शनम् — Bharata’s Ominous Dream

Devanagari script

न पश्यामि भयस्थानं भयं चैवोपधारयेभ्रष्टश्च स्वरयोगो मे छाया चोपहता मम।जुगुप्सन्निव चाऽत्मानं न पश्यमि च कारणम्।।।।

Transliteration

na paśyāmi bhayasthānaṃ bhayaṃ caivopadhāraye | bhraṣṭaś ca svarayogo me chāyā copahatā mama | jugupsann iva cātmānaṃ na paśyāmi ca kāraṇam ||

Translation

I do not see any definite ground for fear, yet I feel fear alone. My voice has faltered, my very look has grown haggard; I seem to loathe myself, and I cannot find the reason why.

Context

I do not see any reason for apprehension but I experience only fear. My voice has degenerated. My appearance looks haggard. Without any reason whatsoever I detest myself.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata

FAQs

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

Dharma here aligns with satya toward oneself: Bharata reports his inner state without fabrication, acknowledging fear even when no external cause is clear. The verse teaches moral self-examination—recognizing inner disorder so one can act responsibly rather than impulsively.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata describes lingering dread after the dream: despite not identifying a concrete threat, he experiences bodily and mental disturbance, foreshadowing the tragic news awaiting him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-awareness and restraint: Bharata notices his altered voice and appearance and seeks a cause, indicating a disciplined mind trying to remain grounded in truth.