Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 72, Shloka 1
भरतस्य मातृसदनगमनं कैकेय्या दारुणवृत्तान्तकथनं च
Bharata in Kaikeyi’s apartments: revelation of Daśaratha’s death and Rāma’s exile
अपश्यंस्तु ततस्तत्र पितरं पितुरालये।जगाम भरतो द्रष्टुं मातरं मातुरालये।।2.72.1।।
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.