Shloka 2.57.10

सप्तपञ्चाशः सर्गः — Sumantra’s Return to Ayodhya and the Palace’s Lament

Devanagari script

तेषां शशंस गङ्गायामहमापृच्छ्य राघवम्।अनुज्ञातो निवृत्तोऽस्मि धार्मिकेण महात्माना।।।।

Transliteration

teṣāṃ śaśaṃsa gaṅgāyām aham āpṛcchya rāghavam | anujñāto nivṛtto 'smi dhārmikeṇa mahātmanā ||

Translation

I took leave of Rāghava on the bank of the Gaṅgā; permitted by that great-souled, righteous man, I have returned—so he reported to them.

Context

I took leave of the great, righteous Rama on the bank of the Ganga and have returned with his permission. (replied Sumantra).

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Rāghava (Rāma)
• Gaṅgā

FAQs

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

Truthful reporting and disciplined obedience: Sumantra acts within permission (anujñā) and speaks factually, reflecting satya and proper conduct within hierarchy.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra, having escorted Rāma up to the Gaṅgā, returns and informs the people that he departed only after formally taking leave of Rāma.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Satya (truthfulness) and niyama (restraint): Sumantra neither exaggerates nor conceals; he presents Rāma as dhārmika and follows protocol.