Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 71, Shloka 15
भरतस्य अयोध्याप्रत्यागमनम्
Bharata’s Return Journey and the Distant Sight of Ayodhya
वासं कृत्वा सर्वतीर्थे तीर्त्वा चोत्तानिकां नदीम्। अन्या नदीश्च विविधाः पार्वतीयैस्तुरङ्गमैः।।2.71.14।। हस्तिपृष्ठकमासाद्य कुटिकामत्यवर्तत। ततार च नरव्याघ्रो लौहित्ये स कपीवतीम्।।2.71.15।।
vāsaṃ kṛtvā sarvatīrthe tīrtvā cottānikāṃ nadīm | anyā nadīś ca vividhāḥ pārvatīyais turaṅgamaiḥ || 2.71.14 ||
hastipṛṣṭhakam āsādya kuṭikām atyavartata | tatāra ca naravyāghro lauhitye sa kapīvatīm || 2.71.15 ||
Matapos magpalipas ng gabi sa Sarvatīrtha, tinawid niya ang ilog Uttānikā, at marami pang iba’t ibang ilog, sakay ng mga kabayong pinalaki sa kabundukan. Sumakay siya sa likod ng elepante at tinawid ang Kuṭikā; at yaong tigre sa mga tao ay tumawid sa Kapīvatī sa Lauhitya.
O charioteer I am able to see Ayodhya of great renown from a distance but not so clearly that whiteclaycity of Ayodhya, with its sacred gardens ruled by several rajarsis, inhabited by numerous wealthy people, by virtuous brahmins and priests who perform sacrifices and who are wellversed in the Vedas.
FAQs
Dharma is reflected as unwavering commitment to a rightful mission: practical arrangements (camping, choosing mounts) serve the higher purpose of fulfilling duty without delay.
Bharata’s travel logistics are described—halts, crossings, and the means used (horses, elephant) as he approaches Ayodhyā.
Resourceful endurance—Bharata adapts to terrain and continues steadily, a mark of capable leadership.