Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 52, Shloka 54
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम्
Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs
तव शुश्रूषणं मूर्ध्ना करिष्यामि वने वसन्।अयोध्यां देवलोकं वा सर्वथा प्रजहाम्यहम्।।2.52.54।।
tava śuśrūṣaṇaṃ mūrdhnā kariṣyāmi vane vasan |
ayodhyāṃ devalokaṃ vā sarvathā prajahāmy aham ||2.52.54||
வனத்தில் வாழ்ந்து தலை வணங்கி உமக்கு சேவை செய்வேன். அந்தச் சேவைக்காக அயோத்தியையையும், தேவலோகத்தையும் கூட, நான் முற்றிலும் துறப்பேன்॥
As I dwell in the forest, I shall serve you with my head bowed. For this I may altogether relinquish Ayodhya or even heaven.
FAQs
Dharma is prioritized over worldly reward: true duty is service to righteousness, even if it means relinquishing status, city-life, or heavenly aspirations.
Sumantra intensifies his request, declaring that serving Rama in exile is worth more than returning to Ayodhya or attaining heaven.
Self-sacrifice and reverent obedience—service performed with humility (head bowed) and without attachment to personal gain.