Shloka 2.71.20
भरतस्य अयोध्याप्रत्यागमनम् — Bharata’s Return Journey and the Distant Sight of Ayodhya
एषा नातिप्रतीता मे पुण्योद्याना यशस्विनी।।2.71.19।। अयोध्या दृश्यते दूरात्सारथे पाण्डुमृत्तिका। यज्वभिर्गुणसम्पन्नैर्ब्राह्मणैर्वेदपारगैः।।2.71.20।। भूयिष्ठमृद्धैराकीर्णा राजर्षिपरिपालिता।
vāsaṃ kṛtvā sarvatīrthe tīrtvā cottānikāṃ nadīm | anyā nadīś ca vividhāḥ pārvatīyais turaṅgamaiḥ || 2.71.14 ||
hastipṛṣṭhakam āsādya kuṭikām atyavartata | tatāra ca naravyāghro lauhitye sa kapīvatīm || 2.71.15 ||
After making camp at Sarvatīrtha, he crossed the river Uttānikā and many other varied rivers, using mountain-bred horses. Mounting an elephant, he forded the Kuṭikā; and that tiger among men crossed the Kapīvatī at Lauhitya.
O charioteer I am able to see Ayodhya of great renown from a distance but not so clearly that whiteclaycity of Ayodhya, with its sacred gardens ruled by several rajarsis, inhabited by numerous wealthy people, by virtuous brahmins and priests who perform sacrifices and who are wellversed in the Vedas.
Dharma is reflected as unwavering commitment to a rightful mission: practical arrangements (camping, choosing mounts) serve the higher purpose of fulfilling duty without delay.
Bharata’s travel logistics are described—halts, crossings, and the means used (horses, elephant) as he approaches Ayodhyā.
Resourceful endurance—Bharata adapts to terrain and continues steadily, a mark of capable leadership.