Valmiki Ramayana 2.102.22: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 102, Shloka 22
पितृमरणश्रवणं जलक्रिया च
Hearing of Daśaratha’s death and the libation rites at Mandākinī
ततो नित्यानुगस्तेषां विदितात्मा महामतिः।मृदुर्दान्तश्च कान्तश्च रामे च दृढभक्तिमान्।।।।सुमन्त्र स्तैर्नृपसुतैस्सार्धमाश्वस्य राघवम्।अवातारयदालम्ब्य नदीं मन्दाकिनीं शिवाम्।।।।
tato nityānugas teṣāṃ viditātmā mahāmatiḥ | mṛdur dāntaś ca śāntaś ca rāme ca dṛḍhabhaktimān ||
ثم إن سومانترَ—الملازم لهم دائمًا، البصير بالروح، عظيم العقل، رقيق الطبع، كاظم النفس، ساكن القلب، وثابت الإخلاص لراما—قام بتعزيته.
Thereafter, their constant follower Sumantra who was conversant in spiritual knowledge, a high-minded person, soft-natured, self-controlled, tranquil-minded and staunchly devoted to Rama consoled him. Holding the hands of the princes, Sumantra helped their descent into the auspicious river Mandakini for taking bath.
FAQs
Dharma here is expressed as loyal service (sevā) and steady devotion: Sumantra remains a constant attendant and supports Rāma in grief, showing that righteousness includes compassionate duty toward those in distress.
After the shock and sorrow surrounding Daśaratha’s death, Sumantra stays with the princes and consoles Rāma as they proceed with rites near the Mandākinī region.
Sumantra’s virtues—gentleness, self-control, tranquility, and steadfast devotion—are highlighted as ideals for a counselor-servant devoted to dharma.
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