Shloka 2.52.99
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)
श्रुत्वा रामस्य वचनं प्रतस्थे लक्ष्मणोऽग्रतः।अनन्तरं च सीताया राघवो रघुनन्दनः।।2.52.99।।
śrutvā rāmasya vacanaṃ pratasthē lakṣmaṇo ’grataḥ | anantaraṃ ca sītāyā rāghavo raghunandanaḥ ||2.52.99||
Hearing Rāma’s words, Lakṣmaṇa set out in front; and Rāghava, the delight of the Raghu line, walked behind Sītā.
Having heard the words of Rama, Lakshmana went ahead and Rama, delight of the Raghus, walked behind Sita.
Dharma as protective propriety: the brothers arrange their positions to safeguard Sītā, reflecting duty of care and respectful conduct.
The trio begins moving in a deliberate formation: Lakṣmaṇa leading, Sītā in the middle, Rāma behind.
Lakṣmaṇa’s service and vigilance, and Rāma’s guardianship—both express responsibility toward Sītā.