Shloka 2.52.41
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)
दैन्यं हि नगरी गच्छेद्दृष्ट्वा शून्यमिमं रथम्।सूतावशेषं स्वं सैन्यं हतवीरमिवाऽहवे।।2.52.41।।
dainyaṃ hi nagarī gacched dṛṣṭvā śūnyam imaṃ ratham |
sūtāvaśeṣaṃ svaṃ sainyaṃ hatavīram ivāhave || 2.52.41 ||
Seeing this chariot empty, the city will fall into a pitiable state—like an army on the battlefield left with only its charioteer after its hero has been slain.
Seeing the empty chariot the people of the city will look pitiable just like an army left only with the charioteer after its hero is killed in the war.
Dharma underscores the moral centrality of a righteous leader: when the protector is removed, society feels defenseless—like an army without its champion.
Sumantra intensifies his plea by describing how the empty chariot will symbolize loss and trigger public despair.
Truthful counsel from a loyal retainer—Sumantra speaks difficult truth to Rama to prevent wider suffering.