Shloka 2.59.36
एकोनषष्ठितमः सर्गः (Sarga 59): सुमन्त्रवाक्यं, अयोध्याविषादः, दाशरथिशोकसागरः
रामशोकमहाभोगस्सीताविरहपारगः।श्वसितोर्मि महावर्तो बाष्पफेनजालाविलः।।2.59.33।।बाहुविक्षेपमीनौघो विक्रन्दित महास्वनः।प्रकीर्णकेशशैवालः कैकेयीबडबामुखः।।2.59.34।।ममाश्रुवेगप्रभवः कुब्जावाक्यमहाग्रहः।वरवेलो नृशंसाया रामप्रव्राजनायतः।।2.59.35।।यस्मिन्बत निमग्नोऽहं कौसल्ये राघवं विना।दुस्तरो जीवता देवि मयाऽयं शोकसागरः।।2.59.36।।
guhena sārdhaṁ tatraiva sthito 'smi divasān bahūn | āśayā yadi māṁ rāmaḥ punaḥ śabdāpayet iti || 2.59.7 ||
Together with Guha, I stayed right there for many days, hoping: ‘Perhaps Rāma will call me back again.’
O queen Kausalya, I am completely immersed in this ocean of sorrow. The misfortune due to Rama's separation is its breadth. Sita's separation is the other end of the shore. Sighs are its turbulent waves and whirlpools. Tears are its foam and turbid waters. Waving of arms is its fishes. Cries of agony are its roars. My dishevelled hair is its moss. Kaikeyi is the mouth of Badaba. My copious tears are its source. Words of the hunchback (Manthara) are the monstrous crocodiles. The cruel boons to Kaikeyi are its shores. Without Rama I cannot cross this sea of sorrow alive. Ah, what a pity
Dharma here is steadfast loyalty: service continues not only by action but by readiness—remaining available in case the righteous one requires aid.
After leaving Rāma, Sumantra lingers with Guha near the departure point, unwilling to sever connection and hoping for a recall.
Sumantra’s devotion and reliability are emphasized—he waits, motivated by duty and affection rather than convenience.