Shloka 2.14.43
सत्यपाशः — Kaikeyi’s Demand and the Noose of the King’s Promise
इति तस्य वच श्श्रुत्वा सूतपुत्रो महात्मनः।।।।स्तुवन्नृपतिशार्दूलं प्रविवेश निवेशनम्।
iti tasya vacaḥ śrutvā sūtaputro mahātmanaḥ |
stuvan nṛpatiśārdūlaṁ praviveśa niveśanam || 2.14.43 ||
Hearing these words of the great-souled one, Sumantra, the charioteer’s son, praising the tiger among kings, entered the royal residence.
Having heard the words of the great Vasistha, charioteer Sumantra entered theinner apartment, singing the praise of this tiger among kings (Dasaratha).
Dharma is faithful service within rightful hierarchy: Sumantra promptly carries out the preceptor’s directive, showing disciplined loyalty to legitimate authority.
After receiving Vasiṣṭha’s instruction, Sumantra goes into the palace to approach King Daśaratha.
Obedience and respectful speech—Sumantra acts quickly and maintains courtly propriety by praising the king while entering.