Shloka 2.56.18
चित्रकूटगमनम् तथा पर्णशालाप्रवेशः (Arrival at Chitrakuta and Establishing the Leaf-Hut)
ततोऽब्रवीन्महाबाहुर्लक्ष्मणं लक्ष्मणाग्रजः।सन्निवेद्य यथान्याय मात्मानमृषये प्रभुः।।।।
tān maharṣiḥ pramuditaḥ pūjayāmāsa dharmavit | asyatām iti covāca svāgataṁ nivedya ca ||
Delighted, the great sage—knower of dharma—honored them, welcomed them, and said, “Be seated.”
The mighty-armed elder brother of Lakshmana revealed his identity to the sage by duly introducing himself. And said then to Lakshmana:
Atithi-dharma: receiving guests with honor and warmth. The sage’s dharma is shown not merely as knowledge but as practiced hospitality.
Valmiki welcomes the arriving trio, honors them, and invites them to sit.
Valmiki’s righteousness in action—courtesy, generosity, and calm authority.