Shloka 2.52.51

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

Devanagari script

त्वत्कृते न मयाऽवाप्तं रथचर्याकृतं सुखम्।आशंसे त्वत्कृते नाहं वनवासकृतं सुखम्।।2.52.51।।

Transliteration

tvatkṛte na mayāvāptaṃ rathacaryākṛtaṃ sukham |

āśaṃse tvatkṛte nāhaṃ vanavāsakṛtaṃ sukham ||2.52.51||

Translation

By your grace I once knew the joy of driving your chariot; and by that same grace I hope to find joy even in forest-dwelling during your exile.

Context

By your grace I experienced the pleasure of driving your chariot, and by your grace, too, I am looking forward to deriving the pleasure of dwelling in the forest.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rama
• ratha (chariot)
• vanavāsa (forest exile)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is loyal service (seva) to the righteous master: Sumantra treats Rama’s hardship as an opportunity to continue duty with devotion, valuing righteousness over comfort.

What is the narrative situation?

As Rama is preparing for forest exile, Sumantra pleads to accompany him, reframing exile as meaningful because it allows continued service.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sumantra’s steadfast loyalty and willingness to embrace hardship for the sake of duty and affection toward Rama.