Shloka 2.52.96

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

Devanagari script

पृष्ठतोऽहं गमिष्यामि त्वां च सीतां च पालयन्।अन्योन्यस्येह नो रक्षा कर्तव्या पुरुषर्षभ।।2.52.96।।

Transliteration

pṛṣṭhato 'haṃ gamiṣyāmi tvāṃ ca sītāṃ ca pālayan | anyonyasyeha no rakṣā kartavyā puruṣarṣabha || 2.52.96 ||

Translation

I shall walk behind, guarding both you and Sītā. Here we must ensure one another’s protection, O best of men.

Context

O best of men, I will follow you and Sita and keep watch. We must ensure mutual protection.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Lakṣmaṇa
• Sītā

FAQs

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

Reciprocal duty: protection is not one-sided; dharma in adversity is collective—each safeguards the other to uphold righteousness and safety.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma finalizes their marching formation: Lakṣmaṇa in front, Sītā behind him, and Rāma at the rear as guard.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s self-assuming responsibility—he takes the rear position to shield the group, modeling protective leadership.