Shloka 3.69.6
अयोमुखी-दर्शनम् तथा कबन्ध-प्रवेशः (Ayomukhi Encounter and the ظهور of Kabandha)
नानामेघघनप्रख्यं प्रहृष्टमिव सर्वतः।नानापक्षिगणैर्युक्तं नानाव्यालमृगैर्युतम्।।।।दिदृक्षमाणौ वैदेहीं तद्वनं तौ विचिक्यतुः।तत्र तत्रावतिष्ठन्तौ सीताहरणकर्शितौ।।।।
tataḥ pūrveṇa tau gatvā trikrōśaṃ bhrātarau tadā |
krauñcāraṇyam atikramya mataṅgāśramam antarā || 3.69.8 ||
dṛṣṭvā tu tad vanaṃ ghoraṃ bahubhīmamṛgadvijam |
nānāsattvasamākīrṇaṃ sarvaṃ gahanapādapam || 3.69.9 ||
dadṛśāte tu tau tatra darīṃ daśarathātmajau |
pātālasamagambhīrāṃ tamasā nityasaṃvṛtām || 3.69.10 ||
In this combined numbering, the same scene is reiterated: traveling east for three krośas, the two brothers cross the Krauñca forest near Mataṅga’s āśrama, behold a dreadful woodland thick with creatures, and see a cave perpetually shrouded in darkness, deep like Pātāla.
Tormented due to abduction of Sita, the two princes anxious to see her searched all over the dense forest stopping here and there on the way. The thick forest looked like a conglomeration of big clouds. It was filled with different kinds of birds, snakes and animals.
Dharma is maintained by continuing the rightful quest despite ominous signs—duty is not abandoned due to fear.
A reiterated/compiled presentation of the approach to a terrifying forest and a deep, dark cave near Mataṅga’s hermitage.
Dhairya (steadfastness): sustained composure while moving through frightening environments.