Shloka 2.91.61

भरद्वाजाश्रमे भरतसैन्यस्य दिव्यात्मिथ्यम् / Divine Hospitality to Bharata’s Army at Bharadvaja’s Hermitage

Devanagari script

इति पादातयोधाश्च हस्त्यश्वारोहबन्धकाः।अनाथास्तं विधिं लब्ध्वा वाचमेतामुदीरयन्।।।।

Transliteration

iti pādātayodhāś ca hastyaśvārōha-bandhakāḥ |

anāthās taṃ vidhiṃ labdhvā vācam etām udīrayan ||

Translation

Thus spoke the foot-soldiers, and likewise the riders of elephants and horses; having received that gracious hospitality, they let their words run on like men without guardians, heedless of their leaders.

Context

Having enjoyed the hospitality of Bharadwaja the foot soldiers, horse and elephant riders made utterances ignoring their leaders.

Characters & Entities

• foot-soldiers
• elephant riders/handlers
• horse riders/handlers

FAQs

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

Dharma depends on discipline and rightful guidance; when people behave “as if without guardians,” social and military order collapses.

What is the narrative situation?

After enjoying Bharadvāja’s hospitality, different divisions of the troops begin speaking and acting without regard for leadership.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Respect for authority and self-governance—qualities necessary for collective duty, here shown as weakened.