Shloka 2.70.13

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

Devanagari script

भरतश्चापि तान् दूतानेवमुक्तोऽभ्यभाषत।आपृच्चेऽहं महाराजं दूतास्सन्त्वरयन्ति माम्।।2.70.13।।

Transliteration

bharataś cāpi tān dūtān evam ukto 'bhyabhāṣata |

āpṛcche 'haṃ mahārājaṃ dūtāḥ santvarayanti mām || 2.70.13 ||

Translation

Thus addressed, Bharata replied to the messengers: “I will take leave of the great king; the envoys are urging me to make haste.”

Context

Having thus been addressed, Bharata said to the messengers. Let me seek the permission of the great king of Kekaya to leave and say good-bye, informing him that the messengers are hastening me up.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• dūtāḥ (messengers)
• mahārāja (Kekaya king, by context)

FAQs

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

Even under urgency, Bharata upholds maryādā: he will not depart abruptly but first seeks permission and offers proper leave-taking to the elder king/host.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata, urged to return quickly, states he must first formally take leave of the Kekaya king.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courtesy and self-restraint—acting quickly without violating protocol or respect.