Shloka 3.15.14
पञ्चवटी-निवासः (Settlement at Pañcavaṭī and Construction of the Hermitage)
नातिदूरे न चासन्ने मृगयूथपिपीडिताः।।3.15.13।।मयूरनादिता रम्याः प्रांशवो बहुकन्दराः।दृश्यन्ते गिरयः सौम्य फुल्लैस्तरुभिरावृताः।।3.15.14।।
nātidūre na cāsanne mṛgayūthapipīḍitāḥ | mayūranāditā ramyāḥ prāṃśavo bahukandarāḥ |
dṛśyante girayaḥ saumya phullais tarubhir āvṛtāḥ ||
Neither too far nor too near, O gentle one, mountains come into view—lovely and tall, with many caves; they echo with peacocks’ calls, are frequented by herds of deer, and are covered with flowering trees.
O handsome one, neither far nor near are seen tall mountains and flowering trees and herds of deer. Their numerous caves echo with sounds of peacocks.
Dharma is living in harmony with the forest ecosystem during exile—seeing the wilderness not as hostile, but as an ordered space where life flourishes and should be respected.
Rāma continues describing the landscape around Pañcavaṭī to Lakṣmaṇa, highlighting mountains, caves, and abundant wildlife.
Rāma’s steadiness and contemplative appreciation—he observes carefully and frames the forest as suitable for righteous living.