Shloka 2.52.102

गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)

Devanagari script

तौ तत्र हत्वा चतुरो महामृगान्वराहमृश्यं पृषतं महारुरुम्।आदाय मेध्यं त्वरितं बुभुक्षितौवासाय काले ययतुर्वनस्पतिम्।।2.52.102।।

Transliteration

tato 'bravīd dāśarathiḥ sumantraṃ spṛśan kareṇottamadakṣiṇena | sumantra śīghraṃ punar eva yāhi rājñaḥ sakāśe bhava cāpramattaḥ ||

Translation

Then Rāma, Daśaratha’s son, gently touched Sumantra with his noble right hand and said: “Sumantra, return at once; stay near the king, and be ever vigilant in your service.”

Context

Famished, they (Rama and Lakshmana) killed a boar, a rishya (white-footed male antelope), a spotted deer and a great deer with black stripes. They partook the meat and reached a tree by evening where they rested for the night.ityārṣē śrīmadrāmāyaṇē vālmīkīya ādikāvyē ayōdhyākāṇḍē dvipañcāśa ssargaḥ৷৷Thus ends the fiftysecond sarga of Ayodhyakanda of the holy Ramayana, the first epic composed by sage Valmiki.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sumantra
• Daśaratha
• King (rājā)

FAQs

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

Svadharma in roles: Rāma ensures Sumantra returns to his rightful duty—faithful, vigilant attendance upon the king.

What is the narrative situation?

At the Gaṅgā crossing stage, Rāma releases Sumantra from accompanying them and instructs him to serve Daśaratha carefully.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s compassion and propriety: he dismisses Sumantra kindly and safeguards the king’s well-being through reliable service.