Shloka 2.46.12

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

Devanagari script

सोऽश्वान्सुमन्त्रः संयम्य सूर्येऽस्तं समुपागते।प्रभूतयवसान् कृत्वा बभूव प्रत्यनन्तरः।।2.46.12।।

Transliteration

so ’śvān sumantraḥ saṁyamya sūrye ’staṁ samupāgate | prabhūta-yavasān kṛtvā babhūva pratyanantaraḥ ||2.46.12||

Translation

As the sun set, Sumantra tethered the horses, provided them with abundant fodder, and stayed seated close by them.

Context

As the Sun was setting, Sumantra tethered the horses, fed them with abundant fodder and sat close to them.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Surya (Sun)
• horses

FAQs

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

Dharma here appears as conscientious service (seva): Sumantra responsibly cares for the horses and remains attentive, showing duty performed without neglect even in hardship.

What is the narrative situation?

At dusk during the journey away from Ayodhya, the charioteer Sumantra makes practical arrangements—securing and feeding the horses—before the night’s rest.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Reliability and caretaking: Sumantra’s steady, detail-oriented service and vigilance.