Shloka 2.52.38

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

Devanagari script

यदहं नोपचारेण ब्रूयां स्नेहादविक्लबः।भक्तिमानिति तत्तावद्वाक्यं त्वं क्षन्तुमर्हसि।।2.52.38।।

Transliteration

yad ahaṃ nopacāreṇa brūyāṃ snehād aviklabaḥ |

bhaktimān iti tat tāvad vākyaṃ tvaṃ kṣantum arhasi || 2.52.38 ||

Translation

If, out of affection and without hesitation, I speak to you without formalities, please forgive these words, accepting them as those of a devoted servant.

Context

I beg your pardon for what I have told you out of love. Accept it as the words of a devotee expressed without fear or formality.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rama

FAQs

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

Dharma of speech combines truth with humility: one may speak frankly out of love, yet must acknowledge boundaries and seek pardon for any breach of formality.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra begins his reply to Rama, apologizing in advance for speaking with intimate candor.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Humility and devotion—Sumantra frames his frankness as service, not presumption.