Shloka 2.83.22

अयोध्याकाण्डे त्र्यशीति तमः सर्गः — Bharata’s Departure and Encampment on the Gaṅgā (Śṛṅgīberapura)

Devanagari script

निरीक्ष्यानुगतां सेनां तां च गङ्गां शिवोदकाम्।भरतस्सचिवान्सर्वानब्रवीद्वाक्यकोविदः।।2.83.22।।

Transliteration

niveśayata me sainyam abhiprāyeṇa sarvataḥ |

viśrāntāḥ pratariṣyāmaḥ śva idānīm imāṃ nadīm || 2.83.23 ||

Translation

Encamp my army on all sides as is fitting; once they have rested, we shall cross this river tomorrow.

Context

As he beheld the army following him and the river Ganga of sacred waters in front of him, Bharata who was proficient in speech said to his ministers:

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Gaṅgā (implied as the river)
• Army

FAQs

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

Dharma as responsible command: Bharata prioritizes the welfare and readiness of his people—rest before crossing—showing that righteous leadership balances urgency with care and practical wisdom.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata instructs his officials to set up camp by the river for the night and to plan the crossing for the next day.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudence and compassion in governance—he avoids exhausting the army and chooses a safer, orderly plan.