Shloka 38
Sāvitrī’s Report and Nārada’s Prognosis (सावित्र्याख्यान—सत्यवान्-गुणवर्णनं तथा अल्पायुषः पूर्वसूचना)
ददर्श चित्रकूटस्थं स रामं सहलक्ष्मणम् | तापसानामलंकारं धारयन्तं धनुर्धरम्,चित्रकूट पहुँचकर भरतने लक्ष्मणसहित श्रीरामको धनुष हाथमें लिये तपस्वीजनोंकी वेष-भूषा धारण किये देखा
dadarśa citrakūṭasthaṃ sa rāmaṃ saha-lakṣmaṇam | tāpasānām alaṅkāraṃ dhārayantaṃ dhanurdharam ||
Markandeya said: Reaching Chitrakuta, he beheld Rama there with Lakshmana—Rama the bowman—bearing his bow and wearing the simple attire and outward marks of ascetics.
मार्कण्डेय उवाच
Educational Q&A
The verse highlights dharma as a balance of renunciation and responsibility: Rama accepts ascetic simplicity in exile while remaining prepared to protect, showing disciplined self-restraint without abandoning righteous duty.
Bharata arrives at Chitrakuta and sees Rama there with Lakshmana. Rama is described as an archer holding his bow, yet dressed with the outward signs of an ascetic, emphasizing his exile condition and moral steadfastness.