Shloka 2.90.3

भरद्वाजाश्रमगमनम् (Bharata at Bharadvāja’s Hermitage)

Devanagari script

तत स्सन्दर्शने तस्य भरद्वाजस्य राघवः।मन्त्रिणस्तानवस्थाप्य जगामानुपुरोहितम्।।2.90.3।।

Transliteration

ayodhyāyāṃ bale kośe mitreṣv api ca mantriṣu |

jānan daśarathaṃ vṛttaṃ na rājānam udāharat ||2.90.7||

Translation

He asked about Ayodhyā—its army and treasury, and also its allies and ministers; yet, knowing what had occurred to King Daśaratha, he did not mention the king.

Context

Then the scion of the Raghu race (Bharata) halted his ministers within sight of Bharadwaja's (hermitage) and went along following his priest Vasistha.

Characters & Entities

• Ayodhyā
• army (bala)
• treasury (kośa)
• allies/friends (mitra)
• ministers (mantri)
• Daśaratha

FAQs

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

Sensitive truthfulness: one may uphold satya without harshness—Bharadvāja avoids abruptly raising Daśaratha’s fate, showing compassionate restraint.

What is the narrative situation?

During the welfare inquiry, Bharadvāja asks about state affairs but deliberately does not ask about Daśaratha, aware of the king’s demise.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Tact and compassion—wisdom that chooses appropriate speech (vāg-niyama) in painful contexts.