Shloka 2.40.18

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

Devanagari script

प्रतियाते महारण्यं चिररात्राय राघवे।बभूव नगरे मूर्छा बलमूर्छा जनस्य च।।।।

Transliteration

sītā-tṛtīyān ārūḍhān dṛṣṭvā dṛṣṭam acodayat | sumantraḥ sammatān aśvān vāyu-vega-samān jave ||

Translation

Seeing them mounted—Sītā as the third—Sumantra urged on the well-trained horses, swift as the wind, and drove briskly ahead.

Context

Having seen Rama set out for the great forest for a long period, the city was stilled and men were enervated.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sītā
• horses
• chariot

FAQs

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

Faithful service (sevā) to the rightful prince: Sumantra performs his entrusted duty efficiently, supporting a dharmic mission even when the situation is painful.

What is the narrative situation?

After Rāma, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā board, Sumantra sets the chariot in motion with swift horses.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Loyalty and professional competence: Sumantra’s disciplined execution of duty.