Shloka 2.53.4
पञ्चाशत्तमः सर्गः (Sarga 53) — Rāma’s Lament, Vigil for Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s Consolation
रात्रिं कथञ्चिदेवेमां सौमित्रे वर्तयामहे।अपावर्तामहे भूमावास्तीर्य स्वयमार्जितैः।।।।
rātriṃ kathañcidevemāṃ saumitre vartayāmahe | apāvartāmahe bhūmāv āstīrya svayamārjitaiḥ ||
O Saumitri (Lakṣmaṇa), we must somehow pass this night; we shall lie upon the ground, spreading what we ourselves have gathered.
O Lakshmana, we will have to somehow pass this night, sleeping on the ground spread with whatever we have procured.
Dharma in exile means accepting hardship without complaint—choosing simplicity and self-reliance as part of righteous living.
During the early phase of forest-exile, Rāma prepares to spend the night outdoors, instructing Lakṣmaṇa to accept the new conditions.
Contentment and resilience: Rāma models calm acceptance and practical adaptation.