Shloka 2.52.44

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

Devanagari script

आर्तनादो हि यः पौरैर्मुक्तस्त्वद्विप्रवासने।सरथं मां निशाम्यैव कुर्युः शतगुणं ततः।।2.52.44।।

Transliteration

ārtanādo hi yaḥ pauraiḥ muktas tvad-vipravāsane | sa-rathaṃ māṃ niśāmyaiva kuryuḥ śata-guṇaṃ tataḥ ||

Translation

The cry of anguish the citizens raised at the time of your banishment—when they now see me returning with the chariot, they will raise it a hundredfold more.

Context

You have witnessed the cry of agony raised by the citizens at the time of your banishment. Now when they see the (empty) chariot, they will make it (raise their cry) a hundredfold.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• paurāḥ (citizens of Ayodhyā)
• ratha (chariot)

FAQs

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

It underscores the dhārmic ruler’s duty to be mindful of collective suffering; the verse also reflects satya as emotional truth—Sumantra anticipates and speaks honestly about the people’s inevitable pain.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra foresees the citizens’ intensified lament when they witness the chariot returning without Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sumantra’s empathy and truthful forethought about public sentiment.