Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 52, Shloka 60
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम्
Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs
जानामि परमां भक्तिं मयि ते भर्तृवत्सल।शृणु चापि यदर्थं त्वां प्रेषयामि पुरीमितः।।2.52.60।।
jānāmi paramāṃ bhaktiṃ mayi te bhartṛvatsala |
śṛṇu cāpi yadarthaṃ tvāṃ preṣayāmi purīm itaḥ || 2.52.60 ||
हे भर्तृवत्सल! माझ्याविषयी तुझी परम भक्ती मला ज्ञात आहे। आता ऐक—कशासाठी मी तुला येथून पुरीकडे पाठवीत आहे।
O Sumantra, listen! I know your deep devotion to me (I also know) you are loyal to your master (Dasaratha). So I am sending you to the city (Ayodhya) from here.
FAQs
Dharma as role-based duty: Rāma honors Sumantra’s dual loyalty—service to the prince and fidelity to the king—aligning personal bonds with rightful obligation.
After departing toward exile, Rāma instructs Sumantra to return to Ayodhyā with a specific message and purpose.
Rāma’s respect for truth and propriety—he communicates clearly, acknowledging loyalty and assigning duty without coercion.