Shloka 2.54.16
भरद्वाजाश्रमप्राप्तिः — Arrival at Bharadvāja’s Hermitage and Counsel toward Citrakūṭa
पित्रा नियुक्ता भगवन् प्रवेक्ष्यामस्तपोवनम्।धर्ममेव चरिष्याम स्तत्र मूलफलाशनाः।।।।
pitrā pravrājyamānaṁ māṁ saumitrir anujaḥ priyaḥ |
ayam anvagamadbhrātā vanam eva dṛḍhavrataḥ ||
“When my father sent me into exile, this dear younger brother of mine—Saumitra—firm in his resolve, followed me into the forest.”
O venerable one! on my father's command we entered the desolate forest of penance. Subsisting on roots and fruits, I shall practise the righteous way of life.
Dharma appears as loyalty to family and righteous companionship: Lakshmana upholds duty by standing with Rama in adversity, not merely in comfort.
Rama explains to the sage that Lakshmana accompanied him to the forest when exile was imposed.
Lakshmana’s steadfast devotion and firmness of vow (dṛḍhavrata).