Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 52, Shloka 11
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम्
Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs
ततः कलापान् सन्नह्य खड्गौ बध्वा च धन्विनौ।जग्मतुर्येन तौ गङ्गां सीतया सह राघवौ।।2.52.11।।
tataḥ kalāpān sannahya khaḍgau baddhvā ca dhanvinau | jagmatur yena tau gaṅgāṃ sītayā saha rāghavau ||
मग धनुर्धारी त्या दोन्ही राघवांनी भाते सज्ज केले व खड्ग बांधले; सीतेसह ते गंगेच्या दिशेने निघाले।
The wretched Sumantra kept gazing at Rama who swiftly reached the other side of the Ganga and only when he could not see him because of long distance, he turned away his gaze and, overcome with grief, shed tears.
FAQs
Responsible protection: even in exile, dharma requires vigilance and readiness to safeguard dependents (especially Sītā) on uncertain paths.
Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa prepare their weapons and proceed with Sītā toward the Gaṅgā for crossing.
Lakṣmaṇa’s protective devotion and Rāma’s disciplined foresight in ensuring readiness.