Shloka 2.70.24

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

Devanagari script

स दत्तं केकयेन्द्रेण धनं तन्नाभ्यनन्दत।भरतः कैकयीपुत्रो गमनत्वरया तदा।।2.70.24।।

Transliteration

purohitastvāṁ kuśalaṁ prāha sarve ca mantriṇaḥ |

tvaramāṇaś ca niryāhi kṛtyam ātyayikaṁ tvayā ||2.70.3||

Translation

The family priest and all the ministers have inquired after your well-being. Hurry and return at once—an urgent duty awaits your attention.

Context

All the wealth given by the king of Kekaya did not delight Bharata, son of Kaikeyi who was in a hurry to depart for Ayodhya.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• purohita (Vasiṣṭha)
• mantriṇaḥ (ministers of Ayodhya)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is prompt responsibility: when an urgent public or familial duty calls, one should not delay, but respond with readiness and discipline.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata is in Kekaya; messengers from Ayodhya reach him and urge immediate return because an urgent matter awaits.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s sense of duty and responsiveness to rightful summons, reflecting reliability in matters of family and state.