Shloka 2.52.57

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

Devanagari script

चतुर्दश हि वर्षाणि सहितस्य त्वया वने।क्षणभूतानि यास्यन्ति शतसङ्ख्यान्यतोऽन्यथा।।2.52.57।।

Transliteration

caturdaśa hi varṣāṇi sahitasya tvayā vane |

kṣaṇabhūtāni yāsyanti śatasaṅkhyāny ato 'nyathā ||2.52.57||

Translation

If I am with you in the forest, those fourteen years will pass like a moment; otherwise, they will feel like a hundred years.

Context

If I accompany you into the forest, fourteen years will pass like a moment, otherwise it will seem like a hundred years.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rama
• vana (forest)
• caturdaśa varṣāṇi (fourteen years)

FAQs

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

Dharma is sustained through presence and shared hardship: accompanying the righteous in difficulty is portrayed as a meaningful, time-transforming commitment.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra argues emotionally that separation from Rama will make the exile unbearably long, strengthening his plea to accompany him.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Affectionate loyalty—his sense of time and suffering is shaped by closeness to the dharmic figure he serves.