Valmiki Ramayana 2.52.54: 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||
Ở chốn rừng sâu, con sẽ cúi đầu mà phụng sự Ngài; vì việc ấy, con nguyện từ bỏ tất cả—dẫu là Ayodhya, hay cả cõi trời.
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.
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