Shloka 2.70.9

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

Devanagari script

कच्चित्सुमित्रा धर्मज्ञा जननी लक्ष्मणस्य या।शत्रुघ्नस्य च वीरस्य साऽरोगा चापि मध्यमा।।2.70.9।।

Transliteration

kaccit sumitrā dharmajñā jananī lakṣmaṇasya yā | śatrughnasya ca vīrasya sā 'rogā cāpi madhyamā || 2.70.9 ||

Translation

And I hope Sumitrā—versed in dharma, the mother of Lakṣmaṇa and of the valiant Śatrughna, the middle queen—is also free from illness?

Context

I hope my mother Sumitra (the middle one) who is familiar with the ways of righteousness, the mother of valiant Lakshmana and Satrughna, is enjoying good health.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Sumitrā
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Śatrughna

FAQs

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

Dharma is expressed as honoring and caring for maternal elders and the family as a moral unit; Bharata’s concern extends respectfully to all queens, not only his own mother.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata continues asking the messengers about the health of the royal family, turning to Sumitrā, mother of Lakṣmaṇa and Śatrughna.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Impartial familial regard—Bharata’s concern is inclusive and respectful, reflecting balanced judgment and proper conduct.