Valmiki Ramayana 2.99.3: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 99, Shloka 3
चित्रकूटप्राप्तिः · Bharata Reaches Chitrakuta and Beholds Rama
Setting: Approach route to Chitrakuta (near Rama’s forest dwelling)Places named: ChitrakutaProcession moving toward Rama; Sumantra following close behind
सुमन्त्रस्त्वपि शत्रुघ्नमदूरादन्वपद्यत ।
रामदर्शनजस्तर्षो भरतस्येव तस्य च ॥३॥
sumantras tv api śatrughnam adūrād anvapadyata |
rāma-darśana-jas tarṣo bharatasyeva tasya ca ||3||
सुमंत्र भी शत्रुघ्न के पीछे पीछे चला गया। उसे भी राम को देखने का दिल कर रहा था, जैसे भरत को कर रहा था। दोनों भाई जल्दी में थे।
Sandhi Notes
- sumantrastvapi → sumantraḥ tu api
- śatrughnamadūrāt → śatrughnam adūrāt
- rāmadarśanajastarṣaḥ → rāmadarśanajaḥ tarṣaḥ
- bharatasyēva → bharatasya iva
Sumantra, who was overeager, like Bharata, to see Rama, followed Satrughna who was not far from him.
The teaching
Shared longing for the sight of the righteous unites ranks—prince and retainer—in a single purpose.
- Ethical theme
- Sevā and loyalty
For your practice
Frames darśana-lālasā as a wholesome spiritual ‘thirst’—seek the presence of the virtuous.
Mood and themes
- Rasa
- Karuna (compassion), with Adbhuta (wonder)
- Mood
- Eager longing, hushed anticipation, shared devotion
Themes
- Dharma
- Satya
- Loyalty
- Seva
- Itihasa
Mumukṣutva—intense longing to ‘see’ truth; darśana as recognition of the higher reality.
Muṇḍaka’s ‘parīkṣya lokān’ turning toward the knowable Brahman—here, turning toward Rama as dharma-personified.
- Sumantra and Shatrughna
- Royal charioteer/minister accompanying prince (supportive)
- Sumantra and Bharata
- Loyal retainer sharing prince’s purpose (empathetic)
- Shatrughna and Rama
- Younger brother eager to behold elder brother (devotional)
- Bharata and Rama
- Longing to see elder brother (yearning)
Ayodhya Kāṇḍa 2.98–2.99 (approach to Rama’s āśrama)
Purāṇic bhakti idiom: ‘darśana-lālasā’ (longing for divine sight)
2.99.29–30 (Bharata’s immediate emotional surge upon seeing Rama)
Anuṣṭup
Narrative
Madhyama-lilt with gentle acceleration on rāmadarśanajaḥ tarṣaḥ
FAQs
Dharma is service and fidelity: Sumantra’s following reflects loyal attendance upon the royal family and reverence for Rama’s righteousness.
As the party advances in the forest toward Rama, Sumantra keeps close behind Śatrughna, sharing Bharata’s intense eagerness to see Rama.
Sevā (devoted service) and affectionate loyalty, extending beyond princes to their minister-charioteer.
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