Shloka 3.2.23
Virādha-saṃvādaḥ — Encounter with Virādha in the Daṇḍakāraṇya (Aranya Kanda, Sarga 2)
अनाथ इव भूतानां नाथस्त्वं वासवोपमः।मया प्रेष्येण काकुत्स्थ किमर्थं परितप्यसे।।।।
anātha iva bhūtānāṃ nāthas tvaṃ vāsavopamaḥ |
mayā preṣyeṇa kākutstha kimarthaṃ paritapyase ||3.2.23||
O Kakutstha, you are the lord of beings, like Vāsava (Indra). Why do you grieve like one without refuge, when I stand here as your servant?
O Rama, you are, like Indra, lord of all beings. What makes you feel sad like an orphan when I am at your service like a servant?
The dharma of sevā (service): loyal assistance to the righteous leader, strengthening him to act justly rather than despair.
Lakshmana responds to Rama’s grief, urging him to regain composure because support and strength are present.
Lakshmana’s humility and steadfast devotion: he identifies as Rama’s servant, dedicated to protecting Rama’s mission and Sita.