Shloka 3.64.57
गोदावरीतटे सीतान्वेषणम् — The Search for Sītā at the Godāvarī
मां प्राप्य हि गुणो दोषस्संवृत्तः पश्य लक्ष्मण।।3.64.56।।अद्यैव सर्वभूतानां रक्षसामभवाय च।संहृत्यैव शशिज्योत्स्नां महान्सूर्य इवोदितः।।3.64.57।।संहृत्यैव गुणान्सर्वान्मम तेजः प्रकाशते।
māṃ prāpya hi guṇo doṣaḥ saṃvṛttaḥ paśya lakṣmaṇa || 3.64.56 ||
adyaiva sarvabhūtānāṃ rakṣasām abhavāya ca |
saṃhṛtyaiva śaśijyotsnāṃ mahān sūrya ivoditaḥ || 3.64.57 ||
saṃhṛtyaiva guṇān sarvān mama tejaḥ prakāśate |
O Lakṣmaṇa, what is called a fault becomes a merit when aligned with my righteous aim. Today, for the destruction of the rākṣasas and for the sake of all beings, my splendour rises like the great sun that blots out moonlight—my power shining forth beyond all lesser measures.
O Lakshmana even demerits turn into merits when they come in contact with me. Just as the Sun shines, effacing the moonlight, my brilliance will outshine my demerits of exterminating all (wicked) beings including the demons.
The verse presents a dharmic logic of intention and end: the moral weight of an act depends on whether it serves protection and restoration of order against adharma.
Rāma, grieving Sītā’s abduction, speaks in a heightened register to Lakṣmaṇa, interpreting his impending violence as a necessary act against the rākṣasas.
Moral resolve (dhṛti) combined with protective kingship-duty: Rāma’s readiness to act for the world’s welfare, even at great cost.