Shloka 3.61.22
सीतान्वेषणारम्भः — The Search for Sita Begins
विचित्य सर्वतश्शैलं रामो लक्ष्मणमब्रवित्।।।।नेह पश्यामि सौमित्रे वैदेहीं पर्वते शुभाम्।
vicitya sarvataḥ śailaṃ rāmo lakṣmaṇam abravīt |
neha paśyāmi saumitre vaidehīṃ parvate śubhām ||
After searching the mountain on every side, Rama said to Lakshmana: “O Saumitri, I do not see the noble Vaidehī here on this auspicious mountain.”
After searching her all over, Rama said Saumitri, I am unable to find the noble Vaidehi on the mountain
Rama’s steadfast responsibility toward his spouse is foregrounded: dharma here appears as loyal commitment and the duty to protect and recover the missing Sītā without abandoning the search.
Immediately after Sītā’s abduction, Rama searches the surrounding terrain and reports to Lakshmana that she is not found on the mountain.
Perseverance and marital devotion—Rama’s refusal to accept uncertainty and his continued, methodical searching.