Shloka 2.52.55
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)
न हि शक्या प्रवेष्टुं सा मयाऽयोध्या त्वया विना।राजधानी महेन्द्रस्य यथा दुष्कृतकर्मणा।।2.52.55।।
na hi śakyā praveṣṭuṃ sā mayāyodhyā tvayā vinā |
rājadhānī mahendrasya yathā duṣkṛtakarmaṇā ||2.52.55||
Without you I cannot enter Ayodhya—just as one who has done evil deeds cannot enter the city of great Indra.
Just as a sinner cannot enter the capital of Indra (heaven), it is impossible for me to enter Ayodhya without you.
Dharma is tied to moral worthiness and rightful belonging: the verse uses the karma analogy to show that separation from righteousness makes even one’s home feel inaccessible.
Sumantra argues that returning to Ayodhya without Rama is unthinkable for him, expressing moral and emotional dependence on Rama.
Integrity and loyalty—Sumantra refuses comfort or normalcy if it requires abandoning the righteous person he serves.