Valmiki Ramayana 2.52.4: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 52, Shloka 4
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम्
Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs
Logistical coordination at the river-crossing stage with Guha during exile departure
विज्ञाय रामस्य वचः सौमित्रिर्मित्रनन्दनः ।
गुहमामन्त्र्य सूतं च सोऽतिष्ठद्भ्रातुरग्रतः ॥४॥
vijñāya rāmasya vacaḥ saumitrir mitranandanaḥ |
guham āmantrya sūtaṃ ca so 'tiṣṭhad bhrātur agrataḥ ||4||
فلما أدرك ساوميتري لاكشمانا—مُفرِح الأصدقاء—كلامَ راما، استدعى غوها والسائق، ثم وقف أمام أخيه.
Sandhi Notes
- सौमित्रिर्मित्रनन्दनः = सौमित्रिः + मित्रनन्दनः (visarga sandhi)
- गुहमामन्त्र्य = गुहम् + आमन्त्र्य (anusvāra before vowel)
- सोऽतिष्ठत् = सः + अतिष्ठत् (visarga sandhi)
In response to Rama's desire, Lakshmana, son of Sumitra, one who brings joy to his friends, called Guha and the charioteer (Sumantra) and stood before his brother.
The teaching
Understanding and promptly executing righteous instruction is itself a form of dharma and protection for the group.
- Ethical theme
- Duty/obedience (ājñā-pālana)
For your practice
Models sevā as mindful action: listen carefully, act promptly, stand ready to protect the righteous.
Mood and themes
- Rasa
- Vira (heroism), with Shanta (peace)
- Mood
- Ready, disciplined, attentive
Themes
- Dharma
- Satya
- Seva (service)
- Brotherly duty
- Itihasa
- Ethics
Acting after ‘understanding the word’ reflects śravaṇa→manana→karma: comprehension leading to aligned action without ego.
Guru-like obedience to instruction (upadeśa) as a model of disciplined action and inner order.
- Lakshmana and Rama
- Obedient younger brother executing elder’s command (dutiful)
- Lakshmana and Guha
- Allied chieftain/friend of Rāma; coordination for logistics (respectful)
- Lakshmana and Suta
- Royal attendant-command relationship (commanding)
- Guha and Rama
- Ally-host offering support during crossing/exile route (supportive)
Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 2.52 (context: arrangements with Guha and the charioteer around the crossing and onward movement); Vālmīki Rāmāyaṇa 2.50-2.51 (Guha’s hospitality and coordination motifs in the same narrative arc)
Epic convention of the loyal brother executing commands (seen across Itihāsa narratives)
Lakṣmaṇa’s consistent role as executor/guardian throughout Araṇyakāṇḍa and beyond
Anuṣṭup
Narrative
Steady madhyama register; clear articulation for action-reporting
FAQs
Dharma is prompt, disciplined service: Lakṣmaṇa responds to Rama’s word with immediate action, coordinating allies and attendants.
Lakṣmaṇa prepares arrangements by calling Guha and Sumantra, positioning himself ready before Rama.
Obedience and readiness—Lakṣmaṇa’s steadfast support of Rama’s mission.
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