Shloka 2.52.47

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

Devanagari script

मम तावन्नियोगस्थास्त्वद्बन्धुजनवाहिनः।कथं रथं त्वया हीनं प्रवक्ष्यन्ति हयोत्तमाः।।2.52.47।।

Transliteration

mama tāvan niyoga-sthās tvad-bandhu-jana-vāhinaḥ | kathaṃ rathaṃ tvayā hīnaṃ pravakṣyanti hayottamāḥ ||

Translation

These excellent horses—though under my command and long accustomed to bearing you and your companions—how will they draw this chariot now, bereft of you?

Context

How can these excellent horses who used to carry you and your friends till now draw this chariot without you even though they are at my command?

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rāma
• ratha (chariot)
• hayāḥ/hayottamāḥ (horses)

FAQs

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

Dharma is portrayed as loyalty in service: even animals and attendants are bound by a kind of faithfulness to the rightful master, reflecting the moral order around a dhārmic leader.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra expresses that even the horses will resist returning without Rāma, showing the depth of separation.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Steadfast devotion and service—Sumantra’s and symbolically even the horses’.