Shloka 2.31.10
लक्ष्मणस्य वनानुगमन-प्रतिज्ञा तथा आयुध-संग्रहः (Lakshmana’s Vow to Follow Rama and the Retrieval of Divine Weapons)
स्निग्धो धर्मरतो वीरस्सततं सत्पथे स्थितः।प्रियः प्राणसमो वश्यो भ्राता चापि सखा च मे।।।।
snigdho dharmarato vīraḥ satataṃ satpathe sthitaḥ |
priyaḥ prāṇasamo vaśyo bhrātā cāpi sakhā ca me || 2.31.10 ||
Affectionate, devoted to dharma, and valiant—ever established on the good path—you are dear to me as life itself: obedient as a brother, and also my companion as a friend.
You are affectionate, you are devoted to dharma. You are valiant. You always walk the path of virtue. You are dear to me like my own life. You are not only an obedient brother but also a friend.
Dharma is presented as steady conduct (‘satpathe sthitaḥ’) and affectionate duty: virtue is not merely belief but consistent, loving alignment with the righteous path.
Amid decisions about exile and who should accompany whom, Rāma affirms Lakṣmaṇa’s character and closeness.
Lakṣmaṇa’s steadfast righteousness and loyal obedience, coupled with intimate friendship toward Rāma.