Shloka 2.3.27
यौवराज्याभिषेक-उपकल्पनम् (Preparations for Rama’s Installation as Yuvaraja)
गन्धर्वराजप्रतिमं लोके विख्यातपौरुषम्।।।।दीर्घबाहुं महासत्त्वं मत्तमातङ्गगामिनम्।चन्द्रकान्ताननं राममतीव प्रियदर्शनम्।।।।रूपौदार्यगुणैः पुंसां दृष्टिचित्तापहारिणम्।घर्माभितप्ताः पर्जन्यं ह्लादयन्तमिव प्रजाः।।।।न ततर्प समायान्तं पश्यमानो नराधिपः।
avatārya sumantras taṃ rāghavaṃ syandanottamāt | pituḥ samīpaṃ gacchantaṃ prāñjaliḥ pṛṣṭhato 'nvagāt ||
Having helped Rāghava alight from the splendid chariot, Sumantra followed behind with folded hands as Rāma went toward his father.
Rama appeared as the very image of king of the gandharvas known for his courage in this world. With his long arms, he was extremely handsome with a countenance of the colour of moonstone possessed of immense strength, he walked with the gait of an intoxicated elephant. He captivated the eyes and hearts of men with his beauty and generosity. He looked like Parjanya (raingod), gladdening men scorched by heat. Even after (intensely) gazing at Rama approaching, the king (Dasaratha) was not satiated.
Humility in service: Sumantra’s folded hands and respectful following show dharmic conduct—serving superiors and the royal household with reverence and self-restraint.
Rāma arrives, dismounts the chariot, and proceeds toward Daśaratha; Sumantra accompanies him respectfully.
Sumantra’s modesty and devotion to duty, expressed through physical gestures of respect (prāñjali).