Shloka 3.64.23
गोदावरीतटे सीतान्वेषणम् — The Search for Sītā at the Godāvarī
बाढमित्येव काकुत्स्थः प्रस्थितो दक्षिणां दिशम्।।।।लक्ष्मणानुगतश्शीमन्वीक्षमाणो वसुन्धराम्।
bāḍham ity eva kākutsthaḥ prasthito dakṣiṇāṃ diśam | lakṣmaṇānugataḥ śrīmān vīkṣamāṇo vasundharām ||
Saying, “So be it,” Rāma of the Kakutsthas set out toward the south, carefully scanning the ground, with the illustrious Lakṣmaṇa following behind.
Handsome Rama said, 'yes'and started in southern direction, carefully looking at the ground, followed by Lakshmana.
Dharma is resolute action aligned with duty: Rāma does not surrender to grief but proceeds attentively, committed to finding Sītā through careful effort.
Rāma accepts Lakṣmaṇa’s guidance and begins moving southward, watching the ground for signs or traces.
Rāma’s steadiness and leadership—decisive movement combined with careful observation.