गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)
भास्करोदयकालोऽयं गता भगवती निशा।असौ सुकृष्णो विहगः कोकिलस्तात कूजति।।2.52.2।।
bhāskarodayakālo 'yaṃ gatā bhagavatī niśā |
asau sukṛṣṇo vihagaḥ kokilas tāta kūjati ||
Dear Lakṣmaṇa, the venerable night has passed; now is the hour of sunrise. There the dark-feathered bird—the cuckoo—sings.
O dear Lakshmana! the holy night is over and it is time for sunrise. The deep dark bird, the cuckoo is singing.
Dharma in exile includes disciplined living and attentiveness to time and duty; Rama models orderly conduct even in hardship.
At dawn in the forest setting, Rama notes the end of night and the signs of morning, addressing Lakshmana.
Rama’s composure and mindful leadership: he remains calm, observant, and purposeful despite displacement.