Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 52, Shloka 39
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम्
Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs
कथं हि त्वद्विहीनोऽहं प्रतियास्यामि तां पुरीम्।तव तावद्वियोगेन पुत्रशोकाकुलामिव।।2.52.39।।
kathaṃ hi tvad-vihīno 'haṃ pratiyāsyāmi tāṃ purīm |
tava tāvad-viyogena putraśokākulām iva || 2.52.39 ||
没有你，我怎能回到那座城——阿踰陀？在与你分离之时，它将如同失子而悲恸欲绝的母亲一般。
Without you how can I go back to the city (of Ayodhya) which, separated from you, is grieving like a lady who has lost her son?
FAQs
Dharma is heartfelt loyalty: a servant’s duty is not mechanical obedience alone but deep identification with the king’s and city’s suffering.
Sumantra expresses his inability to bear returning to Ayodhya without Rama, foreseeing the city’s intense grief.
Compassionate fidelity—Sumantra’s bond with Rama and concern for the city’s emotional state.