Shloka 3.75.12
पम्पादर्शनम् — Vision of Lake Pampā and the Turn toward Sugrīva
स ददर्श ततः पुण्यामुदारजनसेविताम्।।3.75.11।।नानाद्रुमलताकीर्णां पम्पां पानीयवाहिनीम्।पद्मैस्सौगन्धिकैस्ताम्रां शुक्लां कुमुदमण्डलैः।।3.75.12।।नीलां कुवलयोद्घाटैर्बहुवर्णां कुथामिव।
sa tām āsādya vai rāmo dūrād udakavāhinīm | mataṅgasarasaṃ nāma hradaṃ samavagāhata || 3.75.13 ||
Reaching the water-rich lake visible from afar, Rāma entered and bathed in the pond known as Mataṅga-sarasa.
He saw the sacred lake Pampa whose sweet flow of water was used by great seers. It abounded in trees and creepers. Its surface was red with lotuses at one place, white with clusters of lilies at another and with blue lotuses at other places. As such, it looked like a carpet with variegated colours.
Bathing in sacred waters symbolizes inner purification—dharma is sustained by cleanliness of body and mind before undertaking serious duties.
Upon reaching the Pampā region, Rāma bathes in the nearby pond called Mataṅga-sarasa, marking a pause and renewal before moving ahead.
Ritual discipline and self-restraint—Rāma follows purificatory conduct even while living as an exile in the wilderness.