Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 72, Shloka 9
भरतस्य मातृसदनगमनं कैकेय्या दारुणवृत्तान्तकथनं च
Bharata in Kaikeyi’s apartments: revelation of Daśaratha’s death and Rāma’s exile
यन्मे धनं च रत्नं च ददौ राजा परन्तपः।परिश्रान्तं पथ्यभवत्ततोऽहं पूर्वमागतः।।2.72.9।।
yan me dhanaṃ ca ratnaṃ ca dadau rājā parantapaḥ | pariśrāntaṃ pathy abhavat tato 'haṃ pūrvam āgataḥ || 2.72.9 ||
शत्रु-दमन राजा ने मुझे जो धन और रत्न दिए थे, वे मार्ग की थकान-व्यय में समाप्त हो गए; इसलिए मैं सबसे पहले आ गया हूँ।
The (horses carrying) the wealth including the gems which the king (of Kekaya), the subduer of enemies had bestowed on me were exhausted on the way. Therefore I have come in advance.
FAQs
The verse reflects practical dharma: responsible reporting and timely action—arriving early to inform/assist when circumstances require, rather than delaying due to possessions or logistics.
During the return from Kekaya, the transport carrying royal gifts becomes strained on the road; the speaker explains why he has reached earlier than the rest.
Promptness and prioritizing duty over material conveyance—placing urgent obligations above the management of wealth and gifts.