Shloka 2.46.11

तमसातीरवासः — Night on the Bank of the Tamasa and the Stratagem to Elude the Citizens

Devanagari script

एवमुक्त्वा तु सौमित्रिं सुमन्त्रमपि राघवः।अप्रमत्तस्त्वमश्वेषु भव सौम्येत्युवाच ह।।2.46.11।।

Transliteration

evam uktvā tu saumitriṃ sumantram api rāghavaḥ |

apramattas tvam aśveṣu bhava saumya ity uvāca ha ||

Translation

Having spoken thus to Saumitri, Rāghava also addressed Sumantra: “Gentle friend, be vigilant regarding the horses.”

Context

Having said so to Lakshmana, he turned to Sumantra to say O gentle friend, tend the horses with care.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sumantra
• Horses

FAQs

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

Dharma includes vigilance in one’s entrusted duties: even during exile, responsibilities (like animal care) must be performed carefully.

What is the narrative situation?

After deciding his own austerity for the night, Rāma ensures practical arrangements by instructing Sumantra to watch over the horses.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Practical wisdom and accountability: Rāma combines spiritual resolve with attentive management of immediate needs.