Shloka 2.85.21

भरत-गुहसंवादः (Bharata and Guha: Trust, Hospitality, and the Burden of Grief)

Devanagari script

विनिश्श्वसन्वै भृशदुर्मनास्ततः प्रमूढसंज्ञः परमापदं गतः।शमं न लेभे हृदयज्वरार्दितो नरर्षभो यूथहतो यथर्षभः।।2.85.21।।

Transliteration

viniśśvasan vai bhṛśa-durmanās tataḥ pramūḍha-saṃjñaḥ paramāpadaṃ gataḥ |

śamaṃ na lebhe hṛdaya-jvarārdito nararṣabho yūtha-hato yatharṣabhaḥ || 2.85.21 ||

Translation

Then Bharata, best among men, heaving deep sighs and sorely distressed—his senses bewildered, fallen into extreme calamity, and scorched by the fever in his heart—found no peace, like a bull cut off from its herd.

Context

Then best of men, Bharata, with highly distraught mind and heaving sighs, with senses bewildered and oppressed by the fever raging in his heart and caught in a great calamity, like a bull separated from the herd enjoyed no peace of mind.

Characters & Entities

• Bharata

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as an inner discipline that can bring intense pain when violated in the social order. Bharata’s lack of peace reflects a dharmic conscience that cannot rest while Rama suffers injustice.

What is the narrative situation?

Bharata is processing the catastrophic turn of events in Ayodhyā—Rama’s exile and the collapse of royal stability—while preparing to seek Rama and set matters right.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Compassionate loyalty: Bharata’s heart ‘fever’ and isolation imagery highlight his deep attachment to his family’s moral center, Rama.