Shloka 2.80.20

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

te svavāraṃ samāsthāya vartmakarmaṇi kovidāḥ | karaṇair vividhopetaiḥ purastāt sampratasthire ||

Translation

Those skilled in road-work took their assigned positions in their respective teams and, equipped with diverse tools, set out ahead.

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?

Dharma as disciplined execution of one’s role (svadharma): each group does its assigned task with proper equipment and coordination.

What is the narrative situation?

Teams responsible for the road take positions and move forward to begin practical work on the route.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Professional competence and teamwork—skills applied methodically for the common good.