Shloka 2.91.78

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

Devanagari script

शुक्लानंशुमतश्चापि दन्तधावनसञ्चयान्।शुक्लांश्चन्दनकल्कांश्च समुद्गेष्ववतिष्ठतः।।2.91.76।।दर्पणापरिमृष्टांश्च वाससां चापि सञ्चयान्।पादुकोपानहां चैव युग्मानिच सहस्रशः।।2.91.77।।आञ्जनीः कङ्कतान्कूर्चान् शस्त्राणि च धनूंषि च।मर्मत्राणानि चित्राणि शयनान्यासनानि च।।2.91.78।।प्रतिपानह्रदान्पूर्णन्खरोष्ट्रगजवाजिनाम्।अवगाह्यसुतीर्थांश्चह्रदान् सोत्पलपुष्करान्।2.91.79।।आकाश वर्णप्रतिमान् स्वच्छतोयान्सुखप्लवान्।नीपवैडूर्यवर्णांश्च मृदून्यवससञ्चयान्।निर्वापार्थान् पशूनां ते ददृशुस्तत्र सर्वशः।।2.91.80।।

Transliteration

āñjanīḥ kaṅkatān kūrcān śastrāṇi ca dhanūṃṣi ca |

marmatrāṇāni citrāṇi śayanāny āsanāni ca ||2.91.78||

Translation

There they saw collyrium-cases, combs, and brushes; weapons and bows as well; ornate protections for the body’s vital parts, along with various beds and seats.

Context

There the soldiers beheld on every side stacks of toothbrushing sticks, white and bristled, white lumps of sandal paste placed in dishes made of leaves, well cleaned mirrors, collection of clothes, several pairs of footwear, collyrium boxes, combs, brushes for cleaning moustaches, weapons, parasoles, bows and shining armour, different kinds of couches, and seats. There were pools of drinking water for donkeys, camels, elephants and horses and excellent landing places filled with flowering lotuses and water lilies. The lakes were of transparent waters resembling the hue of the sky easy and comfortable for swimming. There they saw heaps of soft grass as green as sapphire and kadamva trees for animals to refresh themselves under.

FAQs

What is the dharmic significance of listing these items (grooming tools, weapons, armour, beds) in this scene?

The inventory reflects orderly conduct and preparedness: personal cleanliness, disciplined martial readiness, and proper provision for rest—features of righteous governance and responsible leadership (dharma) even in a time of crisis.

How does this verse relate to Satya (truth) in the Ramayana’s narrative style?

By giving concrete, verifiable details of what was seen, the narration emphasizes truthful reporting of events; such precise description supports the epic’s ethical ideal that speech should align with what is actually observed (satya).