Shloka 3.61.12
सीतान्वेषणारम्भः — The Search for Sita Begins
अनासादयमानं तं सीतां दशरथात्मजम्।।।।पङ्कमासाद्य विपुलं सीदन्तमिव कुञ्जरम्।लक्ष्मणो राममत्यर्थमुवाच हितकाम्यया।।।।
anāsādayamānaṃ taṃ sītāṃ daśarathātmajam |
paṅkam āsādya vipulaṃ sīdantam iva kuñjaram |
lakṣmaṇo rāmam atyartham uvāca hitakāmyayā ||
When Daśaratha’s son could not find Sītā and was sinking like an elephant in deep mire, Lakṣmaṇa, seeking Rāma’s welfare, spoke to him earnestly.
Lakshmana, dedicated to his well-being, spoke to Rama, son of Dasaratha, who was sinking like an elephant into the quagmire, when he failed to trace Sita.
Dharma is also fraternal service: Lakṣmaṇa’s role is to steady Rāma with beneficial counsel when grief overwhelms him.
Rāma’s despair deepens after failing to find Sītā; Lakṣmaṇa intervenes to guide and support him.
Lakṣmaṇa’s loyalty and wise care (hita-kāmyā)—supporting the righteous leader so that dharmic action can continue.