Shloka 2.52.54

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

Devanagari script

तव शुश्रूषणं मूर्ध्ना करिष्यामि वने वसन्।अयोध्यां देवलोकं वा सर्वथा प्रजहाम्यहम्।।2.52.54।।

Transliteration

tava śuśrūṣaṇaṃ mūrdhnā kariṣyāmi vane vasan |

ayodhyāṃ devalokaṃ vā sarvathā prajahāmy aham ||2.52.54||

Translation

Dwelling in the forest, I will serve you with my head bowed; for that I would abandon everything—Ayodhya itself, even heaven.

Context

As I dwell in the forest, I shall serve you with my head bowed. For this I may altogether relinquish Ayodhya or even heaven.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rama
• Ayodhya
• devaloka (heaven)
• vana (forest)

FAQs

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

Dharma is prioritized over worldly reward: true duty is service to righteousness, even if it means relinquishing status, city-life, or heavenly aspirations.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra intensifies his request, declaring that serving Rama in exile is worth more than returning to Ayodhya or attaining heaven.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Self-sacrifice and reverent obedience—service performed with humility (head bowed) and without attachment to personal gain.