Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 69, Shloka 18
भरतस्य दुःस्वप्नदर्शनम्
Bharata’s Ominous Dream
नरो यानेन य स्स्वप्ने स्वरयुक्तेन याति हि।अचिरात्तस्य धूमाग्रं चितायां सम्प्रदृश्यते।।।।
naro yānena yaḥ svapne kharayuktena yāti hi | acirāt tasya dhūmāgraṃ citāyāṃ sampradṛśyate ||
स्वप्नात जर एखादा पुरुष गाढवांनी जोडलेल्या वाहनाने जाताना दिसला, तर लवकरच त्याच्या चितेवरील धुराचा शिखर दिसतो—असे हे अपशकुनाचे लक्षण आहे।
If one beholds in a dream a person setting out on a carriage yoked to asses, the wreath of smoke ascending from his funeral pyre will be seen soon.
FAQs
The ethical emphasis is preparedness and truthful discernment: recognizing signs (rightly or wrongly) should lead one to act responsibly—seeking facts, protecting others, and avoiding rash harm—rather than indulging superstition for manipulation.
Bharata supports his fear by citing a conventional rule of dream-omens: travel by an ass-yoked vehicle foretells imminent death and cremation.
Seriousness and concern for consequences: Bharata treats the dream as a warning demanding immediate attention, not as entertainment.