Shloka 2.58.32

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

Devanagari script

सर्वर्लोकप्रियं त्यक्त्वा सर्वलोकहिते रतम्।सर्वलोकोऽनुरज्येत कथं त्वाऽनेनकर्मणा।।।।

Transliteration

kvanu vatsyati dharmātmā vṛkṣamūlam upāśritaḥ |

so ’tyantasukhitaḥ sūta kimaśiṣyati rāghavaḥ ||

Translation

“Where will that righteous one live, taking shelter at the foot of a tree? He who has known only the highest comforts—O charioteer—what will Rāghava eat?”

Context

'How can anyone in this world be pleased with you for deserting Rama, the beloved of all, and ever devoted to their welfare?

Characters & Entities

• Dasharatha
• Sumantra
• Rama

FAQs

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

Dharma is shown as costly: the righteous may accept hardship for truth and duty, while loved ones feel the pain of that sacrifice.

What is the narrative situation?

Dasharatha anxiously imagines Rama’s forest life—shelter and food—after his banishment.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rama’s dharmic steadfastness (implied), contrasted with Dasharatha’s parental concern.