Shloka 2.70.16

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

Devanagari script

भरतेनैवमुक्तस्तु नृपो मातामहस्तदा।तमुवाच शुभं वाक्यं शिरस्याघ्राय राघवम्।।2.70.16।।

Transliteration

bharatenaivam uktas tu nṛpo mātāmahas tadā | tam uvāca śubhaṃ vākyaṃ śirasy āghrāya rāghavam ||2.70.16||

Translation

Thus addressed by Bharata, the king—his maternal grandfather—then kissed the Rāghava upon the head and spoke to him auspicious words.

Context

Then the king of Kekaya, the maternal grandfather of Bharata, having heard the wordsof the scion of the Raghu dynasty (Bharata), kissed him on his forehead and spoke these auspicious words:

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• King of Kekaya (maternal grandfather)
• Rāghava (Bharata)

FAQs

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

Respectful intergenerational conduct: elders respond to a youth’s dutiful intent with blessing and affectionate approval, reinforcing righteous action through benediction.

What is the narrative situation?

After Bharata announces his intention to go to Ayodhya, his maternal grandfather affectionately blesses him and begins to give instructions and good wishes.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The grandfather’s benevolence and adherence to familial propriety—he honors Bharata’s dharmic resolve with warmth and auspicious counsel.