Shloka 2.55.29
चित्रकूटमार्गोपदेशः — Instructions for the Chitrakuta Route and the Yamuna Crossing
गच्छतोऽस्तु तयोर्मध्ये बभूव जनकात्मजा।मातङ्गयोर्मध्यगता शुभा नागवधूरिव।।।।
gacchato 'stu tayor madhye babhūva janakātmajā | mātaṅgayor madhyagatā śubhā nāgavadhūr iva ||
As they went on, Janaka’s daughter walked between the two—auspicious, like a noble cow-elephant moving between two bull elephants.
The daughter of Janaka walked between them like a she-elephant between two males.
Dharma expressed as protective propriety (maryādā): Sītā’s placement between the brothers symbolizes safeguarding her honor and safety during travel.
The narrative describes their walking formation in the forest: Sītā proceeds between Rama and Lakṣmaṇa.
The brothers’ protective vigilance and Sītā’s auspicious dignity amid hardship.