Shloka 2.84.1

गुहस्य सन्देहः, गङ्गातीर-रक्षा, भरतस्य सत्कारः (Guha’s Suspicion, Securing the Ganga Bank, and Hospitality to Bharata)

Devanagari script

ततो निविष्टां ध्वजिनीं गङ्गामन्वाश्रितां नदीम्।निषादराजो दृष्ट्वैव ज्ञातीन्सन्त्वरितोऽऽब्रवीत्।।।।

Transliteration

tato niviṣṭāṃ dhvajinīṃ gaṅgām anvāśritāṃ nadīm |

niṣādarājo dṛṣṭvaiva jñātīn santvarito ’bravīt ||

Translation

Then Guha, king of the Niṣādas, saw the bannered army encamped along the river Gaṅgā’s bank; at once he hurried to his kinsmen and spoke.

Context

Guha, king of the nishadas, observed the bannered army encamped all along the bank of the river Ganga, hurried off and said to his kinsmen:

Characters & Entities

• Guha
• Niṣādas
• Gaṅgā
• dhvajinī (army)

FAQs

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

Alertness and responsible leadership: a ruler (Guha) promptly responds to a major development near his territory, preparing to act in a manner consistent with duty and social order.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata’s forces have arrived and camped by the Gaṅgā. Guha notices the army and quickly consults his people.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Guha’s vigilance and readiness—swift, organized response to protect and serve, rather than indifference.