Shloka 2.70.14

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

Devanagari script

एवमुक्त्वा तु तान् दूतान्भरतः पार्थिवात्मजः।दूतै स्सञ्चोदितो वाक्यं मातामहमुवाच ह।।2.70.14।।

Transliteration

evam uktvā tu tān dūtān bharataḥ pārthivātmajaḥ |

dūtaiḥ sañcodito vākyaṃ mātāmaham uvāca ha || 2.70.14 ||

Translation

Having spoken thus to the messengers, Bharata—the prince—pressed by their urgency, spoke these words to his maternal grandfather.

Context

Having addressed the messengers who were pressing him to leave (for Ayodhya) Bharata said to his maternal grandfather:

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• dūtāḥ (messengers)
• mātāmaha (maternal grandfather; Kekaya king in this narrative setting)

FAQs

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

Dharma as relational duty: even when compelled by urgent state/family news, Bharata turns to the elder (maternal grandfather) with proper address, preserving respect within kinship hierarchy.

What is the narrative situation?

The messengers’ urgency prompts Bharata to approach his maternal grandfather to speak and presumably request leave for immediate departure.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for elders and adherence to family propriety under pressure.