Valmiki Ramayana 2.40.16-17: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 40, Shlokas 16-17
प्रयाणवर्णनम्
Departure from Ayodhya; Civic Lament and the Chariot’s Urgency
तथैवायुधजालानि भ्रातृभ्यां कवचानि च ।
रथोपस्थे प्रतिन्यस्य सचर्म कठिनं च तत् ॥१६॥
सीतातृतीयानारूढान् दृष्ट्वा दृष्टमचोदयत् ।
सुमन्त्रस्सम्मतानश्वान् वायुवेगसमान्जवे ॥१७॥
tathaivāyudhajālāni bhrātṛbhyāṃ kavacāni ca |
rathopasthe pratinyasya sacarma kaṭhinaṃ ca tat ||16||
sītātṛtīyānārūḍhān dṛṣṭvā dṛṣṭamacodayat |
sumantrassammatānaśvān vāyuvegasamānjave ||17||
ในทำนองเดียวกัน ท้าวทศรถได้วางอาวุธนานาชนิด, เกราะป้องกัน, และโล่ห์หนังอันแข็งแรงนั้นไว้ที่กลางรถม้าเพื่อพี่น้องทั้งสอง เมื่อสุมันตระเห็นว่านางสีดา, พระราม, และลักษมณ์ขึ้นประทับบนรถแล้ว ท่านจึงได้บังคับม้าอันเป็นเลิศซึ่งมีความเร็วเทียบได้กับความเร็วของลมให้เคลื่อนที่
So also Dasaratha secured a multitude of weapons, shields and protective leather-coverings for hands and placed them at the centre of the chariot, for use by the brothers. When Sumantra ensured that Sita, Rama and Lakshmana boarded the chariot, he briskly hastened the horses which were as speedy as the wind.
FAQs
The verse demonstrates Pitru-dharma (fatherly duty) within the constraints of circumstance. Despite being forced to exile his son, Dasaratha fulfills his protective duty by providing weapons and armor. This illustrates that Dharma requires doing one's duty even in adverse situations, providing for family members' safety regardless of personal grief or external pressures.
As Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana prepare to depart for their fourteen-year forest exile, Dasaratha ensures their safety by equipping them with weapons and protective gear. Sumantra, the loyal charioteer, prepares the horses and urges them forward once the royal party has boarded. This marks the actual moment of departure from Ayodhya.
The verse emphasizes Vatsalya (parental love) and Kartavya-karma (duty in action). Dasaratha's provision of weapons shows practical love, caring for his children's physical safety. Sumantra's efficient service demonstrates Shraddha (dedication) and loyalty to his masters, performing his duty with excellence even in painful circumstances.
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