Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 40, Shloka 46
प्रयाणवर्णनम्
Departure from Ayodhya; Civic Lament and the Chariot’s Urgency
तिष्ठेति राजा चुक्रोश याहि याहीति राघवः।सुमन्त्रस्य बभूवात्मा चक्रयोरिव चान्तरा।।।।
tiṣṭheti rājā cukrośa yāhi yāhīti rāghavaḥ |
sumantrasya babhūv ātmā cakrayor iva cāntarā ||
The king cried, “Stop, stop!” while Rāghava (Rāma) said, “Go on, go on!” and Sumantra’s mind was as though caught between two wheels.
The king cried, 'Stay, Stay', while Rama said 'Go on, Go on'. Sumantra's mind was caught as if in between two wheels.
FAQs
The verse illustrates dharma-saṅkaṭa (conflict of obligations): Sumantra must navigate competing authorities—kingly command versus Rāma’s righteous resolve.
As the chariot departs, Daśaratha orders it to stop, but Rāma orders it to proceed; Sumantra is torn.
Rāma’s steadfastness (dhṛti) in pursuing his vow, and Sumantra’s conscientiousness under pressure.