Shloka 2.16.26
सुमन्त्रदर्शनम् तथा रामस्य राजदर्शनाय प्रस्थानम् (Sumantra Meets Rama; Rama Departs to See the King)
पर्वतादिव निष्क्रम्य सिंहो गिरिगुहाशयः।लक्ष्मणं द्वारिसोऽपश्यत्प्रह्वाञ्जलिपुटं स्थितम्।।।।
parvatād iva niṣkramya siṁho giriguhāśayaḥ |
lakṣmaṇaṁ dvāriso'paśyat prahvāñjalipuṭaṁ sthitam || 2.16.26 ||
Like a lion emerging from a mountain cave, Rāma, as he came out, saw Lakṣmaṇa standing at the doorway, bowed in reverence with hands folded in añjali.
Like a lion living in a mountain cave and coming out of it, Rama while exiting, saw Lakshmana at the entrance bowing with folded hands.
Dharma is respectful service within family hierarchy: Lakṣmaṇa’s reverent posture embodies devoted attendance upon the elder brother as rightful guide.
As Rāma exits his residence, he encounters Lakṣmaṇa waiting at the entrance, respectfully greeting him with joined palms.
Lakṣmaṇa’s bhakti and sevā (devoted service), expressed through humility and readiness.