Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 52, Shloka 50
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम्
Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs
भविष्यन्ति वने यानि तपोविघ्नकराणि ते।रथेन प्रतिबाधिष्ये तानि सत्त्वानि राघव।।2.52.50।।
bhaviṣyanti vane yāni tapo-vighna-karāṇi te | rathena pratibādhiṣye tāni sattvāni rāghava ||
O Rāghava, whatever creatures may be in the forest that would hinder your austerities—I will drive them back and restrain them with my chariot.
With my chariot I shall retaliate and prevent all those animals in the forest causing obstacles to your austerities, O Rama!
FAQs
Dharma as protective service: aiding a righteous person’s tapas (disciplined duty) by removing obstacles is framed as a legitimate form of support.
Sumantra offers practical protection for Rāma’s forest life, promising to ward off creatures that might disturb his ascetic discipline.
Active devotion—service expressed not only in emotion but in readiness to safeguard and assist.