Shloka 1.9.1

ऋश्यशृङ्गानयनकथा — The Account of Bringing Ṛśyaśṛṅga (and the Remedy for Drought)

Devanagari script

एतच्छ्रुत्वा रहस्सूतो राजानमिदमब्रवीत्।ऋत्विग्भिरुपदिष्टोऽयं पुरावृत्तो मया श्रुत:।।।।

Transliteration

etac chrutvā rahaḥ sūto rājānam idam abravīt | ṛtvigbhir upadiṣṭo 'yaṃ purāvṛtto mayā śrutaḥ ||

Translation

Having heard this, the charioteer spoke privately to the king: “This very remedy has been advised by officiating priests before; I have heard of an ancient precedent.”

Context

The charioteer tells the king in privacy that he has heard the advice given by the offciating priests.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Sūta
• ṛtvij (priests)

FAQs

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

Dharma values guidance rooted in tradition and reliable testimony: the charioteer points to an earlier, priest-approved precedent rather than mere opinion.

What is the narrative situation?

After Daśaratha expresses his plan and concern, the charioteer offers confidential counsel, indicating he knows of an old account where priests recommended a specific solution.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Prudent counsel and loyalty: the charioteer supports the king by sharing remembered tradition at the right moment.