Shloka 3.71.20
दनु-शापकथा तथा सीताहरण-प्रश्नः (Danu’s Curse Narrative and Rama’s Inquiry about Sita)
एवमुक्तस्तु धर्मात्मा दनुना तेन राघवः।।3.71.20।।इदं जगाद वचनं लक्ष्मणस्योपशृण्वतः।
evam uktas tu dharmātmā danunā tena rāghavaḥ | idaṃ jagāda vacanaṃ lakṣmaṇasyopaśṛṇvataḥ ||
Thus addressed by Danu, righteous Rāghava spoke these words, while Lakṣmaṇa listened nearby.
Rigteous Rama spoke the following words in response to the story of Danu within Lakshmana's earshot:
Rāma is explicitly framed as dharmātmā—his forthcoming speech is to be read as guided by righteousness, not impulse.
After Danu’s statement, the narration shifts to Rāma’s reply, noting that Lakṣmaṇa is present and listening.
Rāma’s identity as dharmātmā (righteous in nature), suggesting measured, principled response.