Shloka 2.59.1

एकोनषष्ठितमः सर्गः (Sarga 59): सुमन्त्रवाक्यं, अयोध्याविषादः, दाशरथिशोकसागरः

Devanagari script

इति ब्रुवन्तं तं सूतं सुमन्त्रं मन्त्रिसत्तमम्।ब्रूहि शेषं पुनरिति राजा वचनमब्रवीत्।।2.59.1।।

Transliteration

iti bruvantaṃ taṃ sūtaṃ sumantraṃ mantri-sattamam |

brūhi śeṣaṃ punar iti rājā vacanam abravīt ||

Translation

As Sumantra—the charioteer and best of ministers—was speaking thus, the king said: “Tell me the rest again.”

Context

Listening to the charioteer, the best of ministers (Sumantra), the king asked him to tell the rest.

Characters & Entities

• Daśaratha
• Sumantra

FAQs

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

It emphasizes truthful narration and accountability: the king seeks an accurate account, reflecting the ethical value of faithful testimony (satya) in governance and family duty.

What is the narrative situation?

Daśaratha, overwhelmed, asks Sumantra to repeat and continue describing what happened after Rāma departed.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Sumantra’s reliability and integrity as a minister—his role as a truthful witness in a moral crisis.