Shloka 2.57.3

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

Devanagari script

अनुज्ञातस्सुमन्त्रोऽथ योजयित्वा हयोत्तमान्।अयोध्यामेव नगरीं प्रययौ गाढदुर्मनाः।।।।

Transliteration

anujñātaḥ sumantro ’tha yojayitvā hayottamān | ayodhyām eva nagarīṃ prayayau gāḍhadurmanāḥ ||

Translation

Permitted to depart, Sumantra yoked the finest horses and set out for the city of Ayodhyā, his heart weighed down by sorrow.

Context

Permitted by Rama to leave, Sumantra harnessed the best of horses and set out for the city of Ayodhya with a heavy heart.

Characters & Entities

• Sumantra
• Ayodhya
• Horses (hayottamāḥ)
• Rama (permission implied by context)

FAQs

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

Duty performed despite personal pain: Sumantra obeys instructions and completes his service, even while grieving.

What is the narrative situation?

After leaving Rama in the forest, Sumantra prepares the chariot and returns to Ayodhya to report what happened.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sumantra’s steadfast responsibility and loyalty as a royal servant.