Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 102, Shloka 23
पितृमरणश्रवणं जलक्रिया च
Hearing of Daśaratha’s death and the libation rites at Mandākinī
ततो नित्यानुगस्तेषां विदितात्मा महामतिः।मृदुर्दान्तश्च शान्तश्च रामे च दृढभक्तिमान्।।2.102.22।।सुमन्त्रस्तैर्नृपसुतैः सार्धमाश्वास्य राघवम्।अवातारयदालम्ब्य नदीं मन्दाकिनीं शिवाम्।।2.102.23।।
sumantras tair nṛpasutaiḥ sārdham āśvāsya rāghavam | avātārayad ālambya nadīṃ mandākinīṃ śivām ||
सुमंत्राने त्या राजपुत्रांसह राघवाला धीर दिला आणि हाताला आधार देऊन त्याला शुभ मन्दाकिनी नदीत उतरविले।
Thereafter, their constant follower Sumantra who was conversant in spiritual knowledge, a highminded person, softnatured, selfcontrolled, tranquilminded and staunchly devoted to Rama consoled him. Holding the hands of the princes, Sumantra helped their descent into the auspicious river Mandakini for taking bath.
FAQs
Dharma is shown as practical support: when grief weakens a person, righteous companions assist them physically and emotionally so that duty (especially funeral rites) can be fulfilled.
Sumantra guides and supports Rāma and his brothers as they go down to the Mandākinī to bathe and proceed with offerings for their departed father.
Sumantra’s attentive caretaking and steadfast loyalty; he does not merely advise but actively helps them perform necessary rites.