Shloka 2.70.1

भरतस्य दूतसमागमः तथा केकयराजनः अनुज्ञा (Bharata Meets the Messengers; Kekaya King Grants Leave)

Devanagari script

भरते ब्रुवति स्वप्नं दूतास्ते क्लान्तवाहनाः।प्रविश्यासह्यपरिखं रम्यं राजगृहं पुरम्।।2.70.1।।समागम्य तु राज्ञा च राजपुत्रेण चार्चिताः राज्ञः पादौ गृहीत्वा तु तमूचुर्भरतं वचः।।2.70.2।।

Transliteration

bharate bruvati svapnaṃ dūtās te klāntavāhanāḥ |

praviśyāsahyaparikhaṃ ramyaṃ rājagṛhaṃ puram || 2.70.1 ||

samāgamya tu rājñā ca rājaputreṇa cārcitāḥ |

rājñaḥ pādau gṛhītvā tu tam ūcuḥ bharataṃ vacaḥ || 2.70.2 ||

Translation

As Bharata was describing a dream, those messengers—mounted on weary steeds—entered the lovely city of Rājagṛha, guarded by an impassable moat.

Context

While Bharata was relating his dream, the mounted messengers (from Ayodhya) with their weary horses entered the lovely city of Rajagriha surrounded by an impassable moat. There they met the king of Kekaya country and his son, Yuddhajit and were received with honour. Touching the feet of the king with reverence, they said to Bharata:

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• dūtāḥ (messengers from Ayodhyā)
• Rājagṛha (city in Kekaya context here)
• Kekaya king (maternal grandfather figure in this passage’s framing)
• Yudhājit

FAQs

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

It emphasizes maryādā (proper conduct): honoring hosts, showing reverence to elders and kings, and delivering messages with respect—social dharma expressed through etiquette.

What is the narrative situation?

Messengers from Ayodhyā arrive in Kekaya’s capital while Bharata is present there; after being received and honoring the king, they prepare to convey urgent news to Bharata.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respectful discipline and propriety—shown by the messengers through formal greeting and deference before speaking.