Shloka 2.52.12
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)
राममेव तु धर्मज्ञमुपगम्य विनीतवत्।किमहं करवाणीति सूतः प्राञ्जलिरब्रवीत्।।2.52.12।।
gataṃ tu gaṅgāparapāram āśu rāmaṃ sumantraḥ pratataṃ nirīkṣya | adhva-prakarṣād vinivṛtta-dṛṣṭir mumoca bāṣpaṃ vyathitas tapasvī ||
Sumantra kept watching Rāma as he swiftly reached the far bank of the Gaṅgā; and only when the great distance forced his gaze to turn back, the afflicted man, wretched with grief, broke into tears.
The charioteer (Sumantra) approached the righteous Rama and asked him with folded hands: What can I do?
Faithful attachment to righteousness: Sumantra’s grief reflects devotion to Rāma’s dharmic path and the pain of parting from virtue embodied.
After Rāma crosses the Gaṅgā, Sumantra watches until distance makes it impossible, then turns back in sorrow.
Sumantra’s loyalty and heartfelt compassion—his service is not merely official but deeply personal.