Shloka 3.64.21
गोदावरीतटे सीतान्वेषणम् — The Search for Sītā at the Godāvarī
क्व सितेति त्वया पृष्टा यथेमे सहसोत्थिताः।।।।दर्शयन्ति क्षितिं चैव दक्षिणां च दिशं मृगाः।साधु गच्छावहे देव दिशमेतां हि नैऋतिम्।।।।यदि स्यादागमः कश्चिदार्या वा साऽथ लक्ष्यते।
kva site iti tvayā pṛṣṭā yathā ime sahasotthitāḥ | darśayanti kṣitiṃ caiva dakṣiṇāṃ ca diśaṃ mṛgāḥ | sādhu gacchāvahe deva diśam etāṃ hi naiṛtim | yadi syād āgamaḥ kaścid āryā vā sā ’tha lakṣyate ||
When you asked, “Where is Sītā?”, these deer sprang up at once and seem to point to the ground and the southern direction. Therefore, my lord, let us proceed rightly toward this south‑western quarter; perhaps we may find some clue, or even behold that noble lady.
O lord! these deer are indicating the land on the southern side.Therefore it will be proper for both of us to proceed in the south-western direction. Maybe we will get some clue or find that noble Sita.
Dharma is practical wisdom in service of truth: Lakṣmaṇa uses observed signs to recommend the most reasonable course, guiding action by evidence rather than despair.
During the urgent search for Sītā, Lakṣmaṇa interprets the sudden movement of deer as an omen/indicator and advises moving toward the south‑west.
Lakṣmaṇa’s steady-minded leadership—calm counsel that supports Rāma’s righteous purpose.