Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 52, Shloka 39
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम्
Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs
कथं हि त्वद्विहीनोऽहं प्रतियास्यामि तां पुरीम्।तव तावद्वियोगेन पुत्रशोकाकुलामिव।।2.52.39।।
kathaṃ hi tvad-vihīno 'haṃ pratiyāsyāmi tāṃ purīm |
tava tāvad-viyogena putraśokākulām iva || 2.52.39 ||
How can I return to that city without you—Ayodhyā, which in this separation from you will be like a mother distraught with grief for her son?
Without you how can I go back to the city (of Ayodhya) which, separated from you, is grieving like a lady who has lost her son?
FAQs
Dharma is heartfelt loyalty: a servant’s duty is not mechanical obedience alone but deep identification with the king’s and city’s suffering.
Sumantra expresses his inability to bear returning to Ayodhya without Rama, foreseeing the city’s intense grief.
Compassionate fidelity—Sumantra’s bond with Rama and concern for the city’s emotional state.