Shloka 2.4.7

अयोध्याकाण्डे चतुर्थः सर्गः — Rāma Summoned; Pushya Coronation Decision

Devanagari script

तमुवाच तत स्सूतो राजा त्वां द्रष्टुमिच्छति।श्रुत्वा प्रमाणमत्र त्वं गमनायेतराय वा।।2.4.7।।

Transliteration

tam uvāca tataḥ sūto rājā tvāṃ draṣṭum icchati | śrutvā pramāṇam atra tvaṃ gamanāyetarāya vā ||2.4.7||

Translation

Then the charioteer said to him: “The king wishes to see you. Having heard it, you alone are the authority here—whether to go, or otherwise.”

Context

Then Sumantra replied, 'The king desires to see you. To go or not to go, the decision is yours'.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rāma
• Daśaratha (the king)

FAQs

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

Dharma as respectful counsel: Sumantra conveys the king’s wish faithfully, while acknowledging Rāma’s personal agency and judgment in responding.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra informs Rāma that Daśaratha wants to see him, and indicates the decision to comply rests with Rāma after hearing the message.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sumantra’s integrity and tact—he reports the message without distortion and speaks with deference.