Shloka 2.46.10
तमसातीरवासः — Night on the Bank of the Tamasa and the Stratagem to Elude the Citizens
अद्भिरेव तु सौमित्रे वत्स्याम्यद्य निशामिमाम्।एतध्दि रोचते मह्यं वन्येऽपि विविधे सति।।2.46.10।।
adbhir eva tu saumitre vatsyāmy adya niśām imām |
etad dhi rocate mahyaṃ vanye 'pi vividhe sati ||
O Saumitri, tonight I shall subsist on water alone. This is what I choose, even though many kinds of forest foods are available.
O Lakshmana, I shall live this night on water alone. I prefer it, though various kinds of forest products are available.
Voluntary restraint: Rāma embraces simplicity as part of dharma in exile, choosing minimal sustenance despite available comforts.
On their first halt by the Tamasā, Rāma tells Lakṣmaṇa he will fast on water for the night.
Temperance and ascetic resolve: Rāma demonstrates control over desire and readiness for forest-life discipline.