Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 3, Shloka 30
यौवराज्याभिषेक-उपकल्पनम्
Preparations for Rama’s Installation as Yuvaraja
अवतार्य सुमन्त्रस्तं राघवं स्यन्दनोत्तमात्।।।।पितुस्समीपं गच्छन्तं प्राञ्जलिः पृष्ठतोऽन्वगात्।
avatārya sumantras taṃ rāghavaṃ syandanottamāt | pituḥ samīpaṃ gacchantaṃ prāñjaliḥ pṛṣṭhato 'nvagāt ||
Having helped Rāghava (Rāma) alight from the splendid chariot, Sumantra followed behind with folded hands as Rāma went toward his father.
Rama appeared as the very image of king of the gandharvas known for his courage in this world. With his long arms, he was extremely handsome with a countenance of the colour of moonstone possessed of immense strength, he walked with the gait of an intoxicated elephant. He captivated the eyes and hearts of men with his beauty and generosity. He looked like Parjanya (raingod), gladdening men scorched by heat. Even after (intensely) gazing at Rama approaching, the king (Dasaratha) was not satiated.
FAQs
Humility in service: Sumantra’s folded hands and respectful following show dharmic conduct—serving superiors and the royal household with reverence and self-restraint.
Rāma arrives, dismounts the chariot, and proceeds toward Daśaratha; Sumantra accompanies him respectfully.
Sumantra’s modesty and devotion to duty, expressed through physical gestures of respect (prāñjali).