Shloka 2.40.10

प्रयाणवर्णनम् (Departure from Ayodhya; Civic Lament and the Chariot’s Urgency)

Devanagari script

ततः सुमन्त्रः काकुत्स्थं प्राञ्जलिर्वाक्यमब्रवीत्।विनीतो विनयज्ञश्च मातलिर्वासवं यथा।।।।

Transliteration

tataḥ sumantraḥ kākutsthaṃ prāñjalir vākyam abravīt | vinīto vinayajñaś ca mātalir vāsavaṃ yathā ||2.40.10||

Translation

Then Sumantra—humble and skilled in propriety—addressed Kakutstha (Rāma) with folded hands, like Mātali speaking to Vāsava (Indra).

Context

Then Sumantra who knows the ways of politeness and humility spoke to Rama, with folded hands as Matali did to Indra.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rāma (Kākutstha)
• Mātali
• Vāsava (Indra)

FAQs

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

Dharma of seva (service) with humility: Sumantra’s respectful posture and refined speech show how duty is performed without arrogance.

What is the narrative situation?

As preparations progress, Sumantra approaches Rāma formally and begins to speak, compared to Indra’s charioteer Mātali.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vinaya (humility) and maryādā (proper conduct) in communication.