Shloka 2.16.10
सुमन्त्रदर्शनम् तथा रामस्य राजदर्शनाय प्रस्थानम् (Sumantra Meets Rama; Rama Departs to See the King)
तं वैश्रवणसङ्काशमुपविष्टं स्वलङ्कृतम्।ददर्श सूतः पर्य्यङ्के सौवर्णे सोत्तरच्छदे।।2.16.8।।वराहरुधिराभेण शुचिना च सुगन्धिना।अनुलिप्तं परार्ध्येन चन्दनेन परन्तपम्।।2.16.9।।स्थितया पार्श्वतश्चापि वालव्यजनहस्तया।उपेतं सीतयाभूयश्चित्रया शशिनं यथा।।2.16.10।।
sthitayā pārśvataś cāpi vālavyajanahastayā |
upetaṃ sītayā bhūyaś citrayā śaśinaṃ yathā || 2.16.10 ||
With Sītā standing at his side, holding a yak-tail fan in her hand, Rāma appeared once again like the Moon accompanied by the star Citrā.
Sumantra beheld Rama, who resembled Kubera. Rama was sitting on a richlycovered golden couch, welladorned and anointed with precious, pure, fragrant red sandalpaste the colour of which appeared like the blood of a hog. With Sita standing by his side with a fan of yak's tail in her hand Rama, the tormentor of foes, looked like the Moon united with (the star) Chitra.
The verse highlights maryādā (propriety) and harmonious household/royal conduct: Sītā’s attentive service and Rāma’s dignified presence reflect ordered, respectful relationships within dharma.
Sumantra has arrived and beholds Rāma seated in splendour, with Sītā standing beside him holding a ceremonial fan; the scene sets the tone for the king’s impending message.
Sītā’s devoted attentiveness and Rāma’s composed majesty—together portraying steadiness, grace, and adherence to royal and marital decorum.