Shloka 2.52.60

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

Devanagari script

जानामि परमां भक्तिं मयि ते भर्तृवत्सल।शृणु चापि यदर्थं त्वां प्रेषयामि पुरीमितः।।2.52.60।।

Transliteration

jānāmi paramāṃ bhaktiṃ mayi te bhartṛvatsala |

śṛṇu cāpi yadarthaṃ tvāṃ preṣayāmi purīm itaḥ || 2.52.60 ||

Translation

I know your supreme devotion to me, O loyal servant of your master. Now listen to the purpose for which I am sending you from here back to the city.

Context

O Sumantra, listen! I know your deep devotion to me (I also know) you are loyal to your master (Dasaratha). So I am sending you to the city (Ayodhya) from here.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sumantra
• Ayodhyā (purī)

FAQs

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

Dharma as role-based duty: Rāma honors Sumantra’s dual loyalty—service to the prince and fidelity to the king—aligning personal bonds with rightful obligation.

What is the narrative situation?

After departing toward exile, Rāma instructs Sumantra to return to Ayodhyā with a specific message and purpose.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s respect for truth and propriety—he communicates clearly, acknowledging loyalty and assigning duty without coercion.