Shloka 2.58.24

अष्टपञ्चाशः सर्गः (Sarga 58) — Daśaratha Questions Sumantra; Messages from the Forest Threshold

Devanagari script

अब्रवीच्चापि मां भूयो भृशमश्रूणि वर्तयन्।मातेव मम माता ते द्रष्टव्या पुत्रगर्धिनी।।।।

Transliteration

abravīc cāpi māṃ bhūyo bhṛśam aśrūṇi vartayan | māteva mama mātā te draṣṭavyā putragardhinī ||

Translation

And again, shedding many tears, he spoke to me: “My mother—yearning for her son—should be cared for by you as though she were your own mother.”

Context

Shedding profuse tears, Rama continued, 'Look after my mother who is covetous of her son as your own mother'.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Sumantra
• Kauśalyā (Rāma’s mother, implied by 'mama mātā')
• Bharata (implied recipient of the duty)

FAQs

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

Sevā and compassion toward a grieving parent—treating another’s mother as one’s own, especially in times of separation and sorrow.

What is the narrative situation?

Rāma, tearful at departure, asks that his mother be protected and comforted in his absence.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rāma’s tenderness and responsibility—ensuring care for Kauśalyā even while he accepts exile.