Shloka 2.89.13

गङ्गातरणम् — Bharata’s Ferrying of the Army across the Ganga

Devanagari script

तामारुरोह भरतश्शत्रुघ्नश्च महाबलः।कौसल्या च सुमित्रा च याश्चान्या राजयोषितः।।।।पुरोहितश्च तत्पूर्वं गुरवो ब्राह्मणाश्च ये।अनन्तरं राजदारास्तदैव शकटापणाः।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ svastikavijñeyāṃ pāṇḍukambalasaṃvṛtām | sanandighoṣāṃ kalyāṇīṃ guho nāvam upāharat ||

Translation

Then Guha brought forward an auspicious boat known as ‘Svastika’, covered with white canvas and resounding with pleasing sounds.

Context

The family priest (Vasistha) and other brahmins were the first to board. Next mightyBharata and Satrughna, Kausalya, Sumitra, women of the palace including the other wives of the king and wagons and supplies followed.

Characters & Entities

• Guha
• Svastika (boat)
• white canvas/cloth (pāṇḍu-kambala)

FAQs

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

Dharma appears as respectful hospitality and assistance to travelers—Guha supports the righteous journey by providing the best means for safe crossing.

What is the narrative situation?

Guha personally produces a distinguished boat for the crossing, indicating the importance of the guests and the seriousness of the task.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Guha’s devotion, generosity, and readiness to serve without hesitation.