Shloka 2.70.18

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

Devanagari script

पुरोहितं च कुशलं ये चान्ये द्विजसत्तमाः।तौ च तात महेष्वासौ भ्रातरौ रामलक्ष्मणौ।।2.70.18।।

Transliteration

purohitaṃ ca kuśalaṃ ye cānye dvijasattamāḥ | tau ca tāta maheṣvāsau bhrātarau rāma-lakṣmaṇau ||2.70.18||

Translation

And convey my welfare-wishes to your family priest, and to those other best of twice-born. Also, my child, to those two great bowmen—your brothers Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa.

Context

My child, convey my best wishes, too, to your family priest Vasistha and other illustrious brahmins and also to those two great bowmen (Rama and Lakshmana).

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• family priest (Vasiṣṭha)
• brahmins (dvijasattama)
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa

FAQs

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

Dharma as reverence and social order: honoring spiritual authorities (purohita, brahmins) and maintaining respectful bonds with righteous kinsmen.

What is the narrative situation?

The grandfather expands his greetings beyond parents to the priestly guardians of dharma and to Bharata’s brothers Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Recognition of dharmic hierarchy—Bharata is reminded to honor both spiritual leadership and fraternal ties.