Shloka 3.10.4
दशमः सर्गः — Rama’s Vow to Protect the Sages of Daṇḍaka (Dharma of Refuge)
ते चार्ता दण्डकारण्ये मुनयस्संशितव्रताः।मां सीते स्वयमागम्य शरण्याश्शरणं गताः।।।।
ity evam uktvā vacanaṁ mahātmā sītāṁ priyāṁ maithilarājaputrīm |
rāmo dhanuṣmān saha lakṣmaṇena jagāma ramyāṇi tapovanāni ||
Having spoken thus to his beloved Sita, the daughter of the king of Mithila, the great-souled Rama—bow in hand—went on with Lakshmana to the lovely forests of ascetic practice.
O Sita, the sages who perform rigorous penance in Dandaka forest came to me personally, seeking shelter although they can be their own protection.
Dharma moves into action: righteous intent culminates in purposeful travel to protect and support ascetic communities.
After concluding the discussion with Sita, Rama proceeds with Lakshmana through the hermitage-forests, bow ready for protection.
Readiness for service—Rama’s preparedness to safeguard the tapovana environment and its residents.