Shloka 19
The Meeting with Puṣkala’s Wife
शेष उवाच । सुमंत्रमाहूय सुमंत्रिणं तदा जगाद रामो बलवीर्यशोभनः । अमात्यमौले वद केऽत्र योज्या नरा हयं पालयितुं समर्थाः
śeṣa uvāca | sumaṃtramāhūya sumaṃtriṇaṃ tadā jagāda rāmo balavīryaśobhanaḥ | amātyamaule vada ke'tra yojyā narā hayaṃ pālayituṃ samarthāḥ
శేషుడు పలికెను—అప్పుడు బలపరాక్రమశోభితుడైన శ్రీరాముడు మంత్రి సుమంత్రుని పిలిపించి ఇలా అన్నాడు—“హే మంత్రిశ్రేష్ఠా, ఇక్కడ అశ్వాన్ని కాపాడుటకు సమర్థులైన ఏ పురుషులను నియమించవలెను?”
Śeṣa (narrator)
Concept: Leadership in dharma requires prudent delegation—choosing capable guardians for sacred responsibilities.
Application: Seek counsel before assigning critical tasks; match roles to competence; protect what is ‘sacred trust’ in your life (values, vows, family duties).
Primary Rasa: vira
Secondary Rasa: shanta
Visual Art Cues: {"scene_description":"In a regal hall, Rāma—calm yet radiant with martial strength—summons Sumantra, who approaches with folded hands and attentive eyes. Behind them, a sacred horse stands near a decorated enclosure, its mane braided and marked with auspicious symbols, while guards await assignment.","primary_figures":["Śrī Rāma","Sumantra (minister)","sacred horse (aśva)","royal guards"],"setting":"Ayodhyā-like palace audience chamber opening to a courtyard with a horse enclosure, ritual banners, and weapon stands.","lighting_mood":"divine radiance","color_palette":["sapphire blue","lotus pink","polished gold","pearl white","teak brown"],"tanjore_prompt":"Tanjore painting style: Śrī Rāma seated/standing in a palace hall with a glowing aura, Sumantra in reverent posture, sacred horse in a decorated pen, lavish gold-leaf on crowns, jewelry, and pillars, rich reds and greens, embossed textiles and gem-studded ornaments, traditional South Indian iconography for Rāma with bow nearby.","pahari_prompt":"Pahari miniature style: intimate court consultation scene, refined facial features, soft architectural lines, cool blues and warm ochres, the horse rendered with delicate hair strokes, lyrical garden glimpses beyond arches, subtle halos and gentle gestures conveying counsel.","kerala_mural_prompt":"Kerala mural style: bold outlines, Rāma with characteristic large eyes and stylized crown, flat decorative palace motifs, warm red/yellow/green palette, the horse as a symbolic central element, attendants arranged in balanced composition like a temple wall narrative panel.","pichwai_prompt":"Pichwai cloth painting style: devotional court scene framed by lotus borders, deep blue ground with gold highlights, stylized sacred horse with floral harness, peacocks on parapets, intricate textile patterns on canopies, rhythmic ornamentation emphasizing auspiciousness."}
Audio Atmosphere: {"recitation_mood":"narrative","suggested_raga":"Yaman","pace":"moderate-narrative","voice_tone":"reverent-soft","sound_elements":["soft palace ambience","distant conch","horse snort and harness chime","footsteps on stone","temple bells faintly"]}
Sandhi Resolution Notes: सुमंत्रमाहूय→सुमन्त्रम् आहूय; केऽत्र→के अत्र; (पाठे) सुमंत्रिणं इति ‘सुमन्त्रिन्’ शब्दस्य द्वितीया एकवचनम्।
FAQs
The verse implies a royal rite or expedition context (commonly associated with the Aśvamedha tradition), where a consecrated horse must be protected and escorted; Rāma seeks qualified guards for that duty.
It highlights discernment in delegation: a ruler should appoint capable, trustworthy people to sensitive tasks and consult experienced ministers before assigning responsibility.
The epithet signals Sumantra’s excellence and reliability in counsel, underscoring that critical decisions—like security and protocol around a royal horse—should be guided by proven advisors.