Shloka 2.89.20
गङ्गातरणम् — Bharata’s Ferrying of the Army across the Ganga
नावस्त्वारुरुहुश्चान्ये प्लवैस्तेरु स्तथापरे।अन्ये कुम्भघटैस्तेरुरन्येतेरुश्च बाहुभिः।।।।
jāgarmi nāhaṃ svapimi tam evāryaṃ vicintayan | ity evam abravīd bhrātā śatrughno 'pi pracoditaḥ ||
Urged by Bharata, Śatrughna replied: “I am not asleep; I am awake, absorbed in thoughts of that noble elder—Rāma.”
Only some of the people were able to board the boats. Some others crossed on rafts and on large pots. Still others swam with their arms.
Dharma here is expressed as unwavering familial duty and moral concern: Śatrughna’s wakefulness signifies vigilant responsibility toward Rāma’s welfare rather than personal comfort.
Bharata prompts Śatrughna, and Śatrughna reveals he is awake because his mind is fixed on Rāma, indicating their anxious preoccupation during the journey and crisis.
Brotherly devotion and steadfast attentiveness—Śatrughna’s loyalty is shown through sleepless concern for Rāma.