Shloka 2.52.48

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

Devanagari script

तन्न शक्ष्याम्यहं गन्तुमयोध्यां त्वदृतेऽनघ।वनवासानुयानाय मामनुज्ञातुमर्हसि।।2.52.48।।

Transliteration

tan na śakṣyāmy ahaṃ gantum ayodhyāṃ tvadṛte ’nagha | vanavāsānuyānāya mām anu-jñātum arhasi ||

Translation

Therefore, O blameless one, I cannot go to Ayodhyā without you. Grant me leave to follow you into your forest exile.

Context

That is why, O sinless one! I cannot go back to Ayodhya without you. Allow me to accompany you into your exile.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rāma
• Ayodhyā
• vana (forest)
• vanavāsa (exile)

FAQs

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

The dharma of service and loyalty: Sumantra sees abandoning Rāma as morally impossible, seeking to align his duty with the righteous person rather than mere protocol.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra asks Rāma for consent to accompany him into the forest instead of returning alone to Ayodhyā.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Fidelity (niṣṭhā) and selfless service (sevā).