Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 52, Shloka 49
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम्
Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs
यदि मे याचमानस्य त्यागमेव करिष्यसि।सरथोऽग्निं प्रवेक्ष्यामि त्यक्तमात्र इह त्वया।।2.52.49।।
yadi me yācamānasya tyāgam eva kariṣyasi | sa-ratho ’gniṃ pravekṣyāmi tyakta-mātra iha tvayā ||
If, even as I beg you, you choose only to cast me off, then the moment I am abandoned by you here, I will enter the fire together with my chariot.
If you forsake me in spite of my request I shall immediately enter fire along with my chariot.
FAQs
It dramatizes the extremity of loyalty; ethically, it also invites reflection on dharma as steadiness without self-destruction—showing how grief can push devotion into dangerous vows.
Sumantra threatens self-immolation if Rāma refuses to let him accompany the exile.
Unwavering attachment and loyalty, though expressed in a despairing, ethically fraught form.