Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 40, Shloka 46
प्रयाणवर्णनम्
Departure from Ayodhya; Civic Lament and the Chariot’s Urgency
तिष्ठेति राजा चुक्रोश याहि याहीति राघवः।सुमन्त्रस्य बभूवात्मा चक्रयोरिव चान्तरा।।।।
tiṣṭheti rājā cukrośa yāhi yāhīti rāghavaḥ |
sumantrasya babhūv ātmā cakrayor iva cāntarā ||
王は「止まれ、止まれ！」と叫び、ラグハヴァ（ラーマ）は「行け、行け！」と言った。スーマントラの心は、まるで二つの車輪の間に挟まれたかのようであった。
The king cried, 'Stay, Stay', while Rama said 'Go on, Go on'. Sumantra's mind was caught as if in between two wheels.
FAQs
The verse illustrates dharma-saṅkaṭa (conflict of obligations): Sumantra must navigate competing authorities—kingly command versus Rāma’s righteous resolve.
As the chariot departs, Daśaratha orders it to stop, but Rāma orders it to proceed; Sumantra is torn.
Rāma’s steadfastness (dhṛti) in pursuing his vow, and Sumantra’s conscientiousness under pressure.