Shloka 2.52.80

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

Devanagari script

अनुज्ञाय सुमन्त्रं च सबलं चैव तं गुहम्।आस्थाय नावं रामस्तु चोदयामास नाविकान्।।2.52.80।।

Transliteration

anujñāya sumantraṃ ca sabalaṃ caiva taṃ guham | āsthāya nāvaṃ rāmas tu codayāmāsa nāvikān || 2.52.80 ||

Translation

After granting leave to Sumantra and to Guha along with his men, Rāma boarded the boat and urged the boatmen onward.

Context

Having permitted Sumantra and Guha with his army to leave, Rama seated on the boat urged the boatmen to proceed.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sumantra
• Guha
• boat
• boatmen

FAQs

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

Considerate leadership: Rāma formally releases helpers from further burden, balancing duty with compassion and propriety.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma dismisses Sumantra and Guha’s contingent and begins the river crossing by boat.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s courteous authority—he directs action while honoring relationships and obligations.