Shloka 2.52.67
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)
सोऽहं गृहीत्वा नियमं तपस्वि जनभूषणम्।हितकामः पितुर्भूयः सीताया लक्ष्मणस्य च।।2.52.67।।जटाः कृत्वा गमिष्यामि न्यग्रोधक्षीरमानय।
so ’haṃ gṛhītvā niyamaṃ tapasvi-jana-bhūṣaṇam |
hita-kāmaḥ pitur bhūyaḥ sītāyā lakṣmaṇasya ca ||2.52.67||
jaṭāḥ kṛtvā gamiṣyāmi nyagrodha-kṣīram ānaya |
“Having accepted the ascetic discipline—an ornament to those who practise austerities—seeking the welfare of my father, and also of Sita and Lakshmana, I shall depart with matted hair. Bring the latex of the banyan tree.”
Seeking the welfare of my father, Sita and Lakshmana I shall enter the forest with matted hair and practise the prescribed austerities which are the adornments of ascetics. Do fetch me the sap of a banyan tree.
Dharma is vow-faithfulness expressed through disciplined conduct: Rama embraces ascetic observances not for display but for the welfare of others and to uphold the truth of his exile.
Rama declares his intention to adopt the ascetic marks of exile (matted hair) and requests banyan latex to prepare the hair accordingly.
Self-discipline joined with concern for others—Rama frames his austerity as service to his father’s purpose and the well-being of Sita and Lakshmana.