Valmiki Ramayana 2.71.1: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 71, Shloka 1
भरतस्य अयोध्याप्रत्यागमनम्
Bharata’s Return Journey and the Distant Sight of Ayodhya
स प्राङ्मुखो राजगृहादभिनिर्याय राघवः।
ततस्सुदामां द्युतिमान् सन्तीर्यावेक्ष्य तां नदीम्।।2.71.1।।
ह्लादिनीं दूरपारां च प्रत्यक्स्रोतस्तरङ्गिणीम्।
शतद्रूमतरच्छ्रीमान्नदीमिक्ष्वाकुनन्दनः।।2.71.2।।
sa prāṅmukho rājagṛhād abhiniryāya rāghavaḥ |
tataḥ sudāmāṃ dyutimān santīryāvekṣya tāṃ nadīm ||2.72.1||
hlādinīṃ dūrapārāṃ ca pratyaksrotastaraṅgiṇīm |
śatadrūm atarat śrīmān nadīm ikṣvākunandanaḥ ||2.72.2||
“The radiant scion of Raghu set out from Rājagṛha facing east; then, after viewing the river Sudāmā, he crossed it, and also crossed the broad Hlādinī with its far shore, and the splendid Śatadrū, wave-crested and flowing westward.”
Glorious and prosperous prince Bharata, the delight of the Ikshvaku race, set out from Rajagriha, took the eastern direction, and observing the course of the river Sudama crossed Hladini and Satadru rivers which were very wide and flowing westwards crested with waves.
FAQs
Dharma is shown as promptness in duty: Bharata’s movement toward Ayodhya signals responsibility to family and kingdom, placing obligation above ease.
Bharata departs from Rājagṛha and proceeds eastward, crossing successive rivers on the route back toward Ayodhya.
Diligence and resolve—Bharata advances steadily across difficult terrain, reflecting steadfast commitment to rightful conduct.
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