Shloka 3.64.6
गोदावरीतटे सीतान्वेषणम् — The Search for Sītā at the Godāvarī
लक्ष्मणस्य वचश्श्रुत्वा दीनस्सन्तापमोहितः।।3.64.5।।रामस्समभिचक्राम स्वयं गोदावरीं नदीम्।स तामुपस्थितो रामः क्व सीतेत्येवमब्रवीत्।।3.64.6।।
lakṣmaṇasya vacaḥ śrutvā dīnaḥ santāpamohitaḥ || 3.64.5 ||
rāmaḥ samabhicakrāma svayaṃ godāvarīṃ nadīm |
sa tām upasthito rāmaḥ kva sīte ity evam abravīt || 3.64.6 ||
Hearing Lakṣmaṇa’s words, Rāma—dejected and bewildered by burning grief—went himself to the river Godāvarī. Approaching it, Rāma cried out, “Where are you, Sītā?”
Overwhelmed with grief on hearing Lakshmana's words, Rama himself went to river Godavari, and shouted, where are you, Sita?
Dharma is shown through steadfast responsibility in crisis: even in grief, Rāma immediately acts—searching, questioning, and pursuing truth rather than surrendering to despair.
After Lakṣmaṇa informs him, Rāma rushes to the Godāvarī and calls out for Sītā, beginning the frantic search following her abduction.
Compassionate fidelity and urgency: Rāma’s devoted love for Sītā and his refusal to remain passive.