Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 52, Shloka 100
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम्
Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs
गतं तु गङ्गापरपारमाशुरामं सुमन्त्रः प्रततं निरीक्ष्य।अध्वप्रकर्षाद्विनिवृत्तदृष्टिर्मुमोच बाष्पं व्यथित स्तपस्वी।।2.52.100।।
gataṃ tu gaṅgāparapāram āśu rāmaṃ sumantraḥ pratataṃ nirīkṣya | adhva-prakarṣād vinivṛtta-dṛṣṭir mumoca bāṣpaṃ vyathitas tapasvī ||
Sumantra siguió contemplando a Rāma mientras éste alcanzaba con presteza la otra orilla del Gaṅgā; y sólo cuando la gran distancia le obligó a apartar la mirada, el afligido—quebrado por el dolor—rompió en llanto.
The charioteer (Sumantra) approached the righteous Rama and asked him with folded hands: What can I do?
FAQs
Faithful attachment to righteousness: Sumantra’s grief reflects devotion to Rāma’s dharmic path and the pain of parting from virtue embodied.
After Rāma crosses the Gaṅgā, Sumantra watches until distance makes it impossible, then turns back in sorrow.
Sumantra’s loyalty and heartfelt compassion—his service is not merely official but deeply personal.