Shloka 2.57.23

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

Devanagari script

सत्यरूपं तु तद्वाक्यं राज्ञ: स्त्रीणां निशामयन्।प्रदीप्तमिव शोकेन विवेश सहसा गृहम्।।।।

Transliteration

satyarūpaṃ tu tadvākyaṃ rājñaḥ strīṇāṃ niśāmayan |

pradīptam iva śokena viveśa sahasā gṛham ||

Translation

Hearing those words of the king’s wives—words embodying truth—he at once entered the inner chambers, as though the place were aflame with grief.

Context

Listening to the correct words of the king's wives, he immediately entered the palace as if in flames (of grief).

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Daśaratha
• wives of Daśaratha
• palace chambers

FAQs

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

Satya is presented as undeniable reality: truthful words about suffering compel action, and dharma requires responding to truth rather than avoiding it.

What is the narrative situation?

Sumantra, hearing the queens’ truthful lament, proceeds immediately further inside to the king, entering a space heavy with grief.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Courage to face painful truth: Sumantra does not retreat from the sorrowful atmosphere but moves toward his duty.