Shloka 2.89.14

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

Devanagari script

तामारुरोह भरतश्शत्रुघ्नश्च महाबलः।कौसल्या च सुमित्रा च याश्चान्या राजयोषितः।।2.89.13।।पुरोहितश्च तत्पूर्वं गुरवो ब्राह्मणाश्च ये।अनन्तरं राजदारास्तदैव शकटापणाः।।2.89.14।।

Transliteration

tām ārurōha bharataḥ śatrughnaś ca mahābalaḥ | kausalyā ca sumitrā ca yāś cānyā rājayoṣitaḥ ||

purohitaś ca tatpūrvaṃ guravo brāhmaṇāś ca ye | anantaraṃ rājadārās tadaiva śakaṭāpaṇāḥ ||

Translation

First boarded the family priest and the venerable elders—preceptors and Brahmins. After them embarked Bharata and the mighty Śatrughna, with Kauśalyā, Sumitrā, and the other royal women; then followed the king’s wives and the wagons laden with provisions.

Context

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

Characters & Entities

• Bharata
• Śatrughna
• Kauśalyā
• Sumitrā
• rājayoṣitaḥ (royal women)
• purohita (family priest, traditionally Vasiṣṭha)
• guravaḥ (preceptors/elders)
• brāhmaṇāḥ (Brahmins)
• rājadārāḥ (queens)
• śakaṭa (wagons)
• provisions/supplies

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as maryādā (proper order and respect): elders, spiritual guides, and Brahmins are given precedence, reflecting societal responsibility and reverence for learning and guidance.

What is the narrative situation?

The group boards boats to cross; the narration carefully records the orderly sequence—priests and elders first, then princes and queens, then supplies.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Bharata’s adherence to protocol and respectful governance, ensuring dignified and safe movement for all groups.