Shloka 2.16.1

सुमन्त्रदर्शनम् तथा रामस्य राजदर्शनाय प्रस्थानम् (Sumantra Meets Rama; Rama Departs to See the King)

Devanagari script

तदन्तःपुरद्वारं समतीत्य जनाकुलम्।प्रविविक्तां ततः कक्ष्यामाससाद पुराणवित्।।।।प्रासकार्मुकबिभ्रद्भिर्युवभिर्मृष्टकुण्डलैः।अप्रमादिभिरेकाग्रै स्स्वनुरक्तैरधिष्ठिताम्।।।।

Transliteration

tad antaḥpuradvāraṃ samatītya janākulam |

praviviktāṃ tataḥ kakṣyām āsasāda purāṇavit || 2.16.1 ||

prāsakārmukabibhradbhiḥ yuvabhiḥ mṛṣṭakuṇḍalaiḥ |

apramādibhir ekāgraiḥ svanuraktair adhiṣṭhitām || 2.16.2 ||

Translation

Then Sumantra, learned in ancient custom, passed through the crowded gateway of the inner apartments and reached a more secluded courtyard. It was guarded by vigilant, single-minded young men devoted to their duty, bearing spears and bows and wearing polished earrings.

Context

Sumantra, who was conversant with ancient traditions, passed through the entrance of the inner apartment full of people and reached the sparsely crowded courtyard. There alert, loyal young men were attentively guarding the frontyard, armed with spears and bows and wearing shining earrings.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rāma (implied destination)
• Antaḥpura (inner apartments)

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma appears as disciplined guardianship: alertness, loyalty, and restraint in service protect social order and the sanctity of royal spaces.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra proceeds inward through palace zones—moving from a crowded gate to a quieter courtyard under watchful guards—on his way to meet Rama.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The guards’ virtues: apramāda (vigilance), ekāgratā (focused attention), and bhakti-like loyalty to duty and king.