Shloka 3.8.5
सुतीक्ष्णाश्रमप्रस्थानम् (Departure from Sutikshna’s Hermitage)
सुखोषितास्स्मभगवंस्त्वया पूज्येन पूजिताः।आपृच्छामः प्रयास्यामो मुनयस्त्वरयन्ति नः।।।।
aviṣahyātapo yāvat sūryo nāti-virājate | amārgeṇāgatāṃ lakṣmīṃ prāpyeva anvaya-varjitaḥ || tāvad icchāmahe gantum ity uktvā caraṇau muneḥ | vavande saha saumitriḥ sītayā saha rāghavaḥ ||
We wish to set out before the sun blazes with unbearable heat—like a man without noble lineage who, gaining wealth by unlawful means, becomes overly resplendent. Having spoken thus, Rāma, together with Sītā and Saumitrī (Lakṣmaṇa), bowed at the sage’s feet.
O revered Sutikshna! received by one so worship-worthy like you, we spent the night well. We (now)take leave of you. The sages are hastening us.
Dharma warns against adharmic gain and the arrogance it breeds; true nobility is shown by humility and reverence, not by outward ‘shine’ produced by wrongful prosperity.
Rāma explains the practical need to depart before the day grows hot, then formally pays respect by bowing at Sutikṣṇa’s feet with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa.
Humility and ethical discernment: Rāma uses a moral analogy to frame timing, and completes the leave-taking with respectful prostration.