Shloka 3.67.28
जटायुवृत्तान्तः — Jatāyu’s Testimony and Rāma’s Grief
इत्येवमुक्त्वा बहुशो राघवस्सहलक्ष्मणः।जटायुषं च पस्पर्श पितृस्नेहं विदर्शयन्।।।।
kiṁ kariṣyāvahe vatsa kva vā gacchāva lakṣmaṇa | kenopāyena gaccheyaṁ sītām iti vicintaya ||
My child, Lakṣmaṇa—what are we to do, and where shall we go? Think of some means by which I may reach Sītā.
Saying such words and showing filial affection, he caressed Jatayu repeatedly with Lakshmana.
Dharma here appears as responsible action guided by reflection: grief is acknowledged, but Rāma seeks a practical, righteous course rather than impulsive reaction.
After Sītā’s abduction, Rāma turns to Lakṣmaṇa for counsel, asking how and where they should proceed to find her.
Prudence and humility in leadership—Rāma consults Lakṣmaṇa, showing deliberation and reliance on wise counsel under crisis.