Shloka 2.52.20

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

Devanagari script

इति ब्रुवन्नात्मसमं सुमन्त्रः सारथिस्तदा।दृष्ट्वा दूरगतं रामं दुःखार्तो रुरुदे चिरम्।।2.52.20।।

Transliteration

iti bruvann ātmasamaṃ sumantraḥ sārathis tadā |

dṛṣṭvā dūragataṃ rāmaṃ duḥkhārto rurude ciram ||

Translation

Speaking thus, Sumantra the charioteer—who regarded Rāma as his own self—seeing Rāma go far away, wept for a long time, tormented by grief.

Context

Rama was like his (Sumantra's) own self. When Sumantra, the charioteer, saw that Rama was preparing to go afar for a long time, he started weeping aloud in deep distress.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rama

FAQs

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

Dharma is not emotionless; righteous bonds create grief at separation. The epic validates compassion while still moving forward with duty.

What is the narrative situation?

After addressing Rama, Sumantra watches him recede into the distance and breaks down in prolonged weeping.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sumantra’s deep affection and loyalty—treating Rama ‘like himself’—reveals the moral power of righteous relationships.