Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 68, Shloka 19
दूतप्रेषणम् — Dispatch of Messengers to Kekaya
Bharata’s Recall
विष्णोः पदं प्रेक्षमाणा विपाशांचापि शाल्मलीम्।नदीर्वापी स्तटाकानि पल्वलानि सरांसि च।।2.68.19।।पश्यन्तो विविधांश्चापि सिंहाव्याघ्रमृग द्विपान्।ययुः पथाऽतिमहता शासनं भर्तुरीप्सवः।।2.68.20।।
viṣṇoḥ padaṃ prekṣamāṇā vipāśāṃ cāpi śālmalīm | nadīr vāpīḥ taṭākāni palvalāni sarāṃsi ca || 2.68.19 ||
paśyanto vividhāṃś cāpi siṃhavyāghramṛgadvipān | yayuḥ pathā'timahatā śāsanaṃ bhartur īpsavaḥ || 2.68.20 ||
विष्णोः पदं प्रेक्षमाणाः, विपाशां शाल्मलीं च, नदीर्वापीस्तटाकानि पल्वलानि सरांसि च पश्यन्तः; विविधांश्च सिंहव्याघ्रमृगद्विपान् अवलोक्य, भर्तुः शासनम् ईप्सवः अतिमहता पथा ययुः।
Beholding the footprints of Visnu (on Sudama mountain), and seeing Vipasa, and Salmali rivers, trees, streams, deep wells, ponds, pools, large tanks, different kinds of lions, tigers and elephants, they travelled a long distance with the intention of fulfilling the command of their master.
FAQs
Dharma is faithful execution of entrusted orders: even across dangerous terrain and long distances, one perseveres to uphold a legitimate command.
The messengers traverse a vast landscape—sacred sites, rivers, and wilderness with wild animals—while continuing their mission without turning back.
Perseverance (dhṛti) and obedience to rightful authority—staying committed despite hardship.