Shloka 2.81.9

एकाशीति तमः सर्गः — Bharata’s Grief, Courtly Summons, and the Assembly Hall

Devanagari script

तथा तस्मिन्विलपति वसिष्ठो राजधर्मवित्।सभामिक्ष्वाकुनाथस्य प्रविवेश महायशाः।।।।

Transliteration

tathā tasmin vilapati vasiṣṭho rāja-dharma-vit |

sabhām ikṣvāku-nāthasya praviveśa mahāyaśāḥ ||

Translation

While he thus lamented, the illustrious Vasiṣṭha—knower of royal dharma—entered the assembly hall of the Ikṣvāku lord, Daśaratha.

Context

While Bharata was weeping, illustrious Vasistha, conversant with royal traditions, entered the assembly hall of the lord of the Iksvakus (king Dasaratha).

Characters & Entities

• Vasiṣṭha
• Bharata
• Ikṣvāku
• Daśaratha
• sabhā (assembly hall)

FAQs

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

Rājadharma requires learned guidance: in a succession crisis, the king’s preceptor and dharma-expert must steer decisions toward legitimacy and stability.

What is the narrative situation?

As Bharata mourns, Vasiṣṭha arrives at the royal assembly, indicating the move from grief to deliberation on state duty.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Wisdom in governance: Vasiṣṭha embodies institutional memory and dhārmic counsel necessary for righteous rule.