Shloka 2.80.19

मर्गनिर्माणम् (Roadworks and the Royal Route Prepared for Bharata)

Devanagari script

बहुपांसुचयाश्चापि परिखापरिवारिताः।तत्रेन्द्रकीलप्रतिमाः प्रतोलीवरशोभिताः।।2.80.18।।प्रासादमालावितता स्सौधप्राकारसंवृताः।पताकाशोभिता स्सर्वे सुनिर्मितमहापथाः।।2.80.19।।विसर्पद्भिरिवाऽकाशे विटङ्काग्रविमानकैः।समुच्छ्रितैर्निवेशास्ते बभुश्शक्रपुरोपमाः।।2.80.20।।

Transliteration

kūpakārāḥ sudhākārā vaṃśakarmakṛtas tathā | samarthā ye ca draṣṭāraḥ puratas te pratasthire ||

Translation

Well-diggers, plasterers, and bamboo-workers too—together with capable overseers—set out in advance to supervise and complete the preparations.

Context

They heaped sand and dug moats around the restingplace. It was adorned with wellbuilt highways and broad thoroughfares, lined with mansions surrounded by walls as high as mount Indrakeela. The peaks of those tall residences decorated with flags which looked as if spreading into the sky. (Thus the restingplace) shone like the abode of Indra.

FAQs

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

Duty performed through accountability: competent supervision and specialized skills ensure that public tasks are done properly and ethically, without negligence.

What is the narrative situation?

More specialist trades and supervisors are mobilized and sent ahead so the route and facilities are ready before the main crowd arrives.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reliability and responsibility in state service—work is organized with oversight and competence.