Valmiki Ramayana 2.40.48: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 40, Shloka 48
प्रयाणवर्णनम्
Departure from Ayodhya; Civic Lament and the Chariot’s Urgency
Setting: Ayodhyā outskirts transitioning toward the road to the forestPlaces named: AyodhyāLeaving the city; increasing speed toward exile path
रामस्य स वचः कुर्वन्ननुज्ञाप्य च तं जनम् ।
व्रजतोऽपि हयान् शीघ्रं चोदयामास सारथिः ॥४८॥
rāmasya sa vacaḥ kurvann anujñāpya ca taṃ janam |
vrajato 'pi hayān śīghraṃ codayāmāsa sārathiḥ ||48||
सुमंत्र ने राम की बात मान ली। उसने लोगों को छोड़ दिया और घोड़े तेज़ भागा दिए। वो पहले से ही तेज़ चल रहे थे, फिर भी उसने और तेज़ किया।
Sandhi Notes
- व्रजतोऽपि → व्रजतः + अपि
Obeying the command of Rama and after taking leave of the people, Sumantra hastened the horses although they were galloping.
The teaching
Once dharma is discerned, act decisively and complete the necessary separation with propriety (taking leave).
- Ethical theme
- Dharma-execution / niṣṭhā (steadfast follow-through)
- How it resolves
- Execution of chosen duty (carrying out departure)
For your practice
Cultivates resolve: after prayerful discernment, proceed without wavering; practice clean farewells and non-clinging.
Mood and themes
- Rasa
- Karuna (compassion), with Vira (heroism)
- Mood
- Swift departure, reluctant farewell, controlled urgency
Themes
- Dharma
- Satya
- Seva
- Obedience
- Itihasa
- Ethics
Karma-yoga flavor: action performed in obedience to dharma, not to emotional turbulence; movement away from attachment.
Again, the chariot as body-journey metaphor: directing the ‘vehicle’ firmly once the course is chosen.
- Sumantra and Rama
- Obedience of charioteer to prince’s command (Śānta)
Ayodhyākāṇḍa: citizens following and later turning back; Sumantra’s return narrative (internal thematic); Rāmacaritamānasa Ayodhyākāṇḍa: the chariot’s departure and citizens’ farewell (thematic)
General epic motif of ‘taking leave’ before exile journeys (Itihāsa tradition)
Subsequent Ayodhyākāṇḍa scenes: Sumantra’s eventual return and reporting; Daśaratha’s worsening grief
Anuṣṭup (śloka)
Narrative
Slightly quicker tempo; rising cadence to mirror acceleration
FAQs
Dharma as faithful service (sevā) and disciplined obedience: Sumantra follows the rightful directive meant to reduce suffering and fulfill the course of events.
After acknowledging the gathered people, Sumantra accelerates the chariot in accordance with Rāma’s instruction.
Loyalty and duty-consciousness in service—Sumantra acts decisively despite the emotional turmoil around him.
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