Shloka 2.15.25
अभिषेकसज्जा तथा सुमन्त्रस्य प्रेषणम् (Coronation Preparations and Sumantra’s Commission)
स्तुवन्तं तं तदा सूतं सुमन्त्रं मन्त्रकोविदम्।।2.15.25।।प्रतिबुध्य ततो राजा इदं वचनमब्रवीत्।
stuvantaṃ taṃ tadā sūtaṃ sumantraṃ mantrakovidam || 2.15.25 ||
pratibudhya tato rājā idaṃ vacanam abravīt |
Then the king awoke and spoke these words to Sumantra—the charioteer and skilled counselor—who was praising him.
Dasaratha waking up saw the charioteer and expert counsellor Sumantra extoling him, and said:
Rajadharma is supported by wise counsel: the king’s actions are mediated through trusted, competent advisors who uphold orderly administration.
Daśaratha wakes and begins addressing Sumantra, who has been offering praise and formal wake-up blessings.
Competence and trustworthiness in service—Sumantra is both sūta and mantrakovida.