Shloka 3.17.15
शूर्पणखाया आगमनम् — Surpanakha Approaches Rama
अनृतं न हि रामस्य कदाचिदपि सम्मतम्।।।।विशेषेणाऽश्रमस्थस्य समीपे स्त्रीजनस्य च।
bhrātāyaṃ lakṣmaṇo nāma yavīyān mām anuvrataḥ | iyaṃ bhāryā ca vaidehī mama sīteti viśrutā ||
This is my younger brother, named Lakṣmaṇa, who faithfully follows me. And this is my wife, the Vaidehī—renowned as Sītā.
To Rama untruth is never acceptable at the hermitage and especially in the presence of a woman.
Truth joined with relational responsibility: Rāma identifies companions accurately, affirming legitimate bonds—brotherly fidelity and marital dharma.
Continuing his reply, Rāma introduces Lakṣmaṇa and Sītā to Śūrpaṇakhā, clarifying who accompanies him in the forest.
Lakṣmaṇa’s anuvrata—steadfast devotion in service—and Rāma’s adherence to maryādā by openly acknowledging his wife.