Shloka 2.57.16

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

Devanagari script

स राजमार्गमध्येन सुमन्त्रः पिहिताननः।यत्र राजा दशरथस्तदेवोपययौ गृहम्।।।।

Transliteration

sa rājamārgamadhyena sumantraḥ pihitānanaḥ |

yatra rājā daśarathas tad evopayayau gṛham ||

Translation

Sumantra, muffling his face, drove along the middle of the royal highway and went straight to that very palace where King Daśaratha was.

Context

Sumantra with his face muffled, drove along the highway straight to the palace of king Dasaratha.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Daśaratha
• Ayodhyā (implied)
• rājamārga (royal highway)
• royal palace

FAQs

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

Dharma here is faithful service: Sumantra, despite grief and public scrutiny, proceeds directly to the king to report and fulfill his duty as a royal attendant.

What is the narrative situation?

After escorting Rāma away, Sumantra returns to Ayodhyā and heads straight for Daśaratha’s palace, concealing his face in sorrow.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Loyalty and responsibility (sevā-dharma): Sumantra prioritizes his obligation to the king even while personally distressed.