Shloka 2.58.9
अष्टपञ्चाशः सर्गः (Sarga 58) — Daśaratha Questions Sumantra; Messages from the Forest Threshold
सुकुमार्या तपस्विन्या सुमन्त्र सह सीतया।राजपुत्रौ कथं पादैरवरुह्य रथाद्गतौ।।।।
sukumāryā tapasvinyā sumantra saha sītayā |
rāja-putrau kathaṃ pādair avaruhya rathād gatau ||
O Sumantra, how did the two princes go on foot, after alighting from the chariot, together with Sītā—so delicate and now living like an ascetic in suffering?
O Sumantra how did those two princes along with pitiable, delicate Sita, alight from the chariot, and enter the forest on foot?
It points to dharma as endurance and rightful conduct under suffering: royal heirs and a princess accept hardship without abandoning truth-bound commitments.
Daśaratha questions Sumantra about the moment Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa left the chariot and proceeded into the forest with Sītā.
Sītā’s steadfast devotion and courage—choosing to share her husband’s dharmic path even when it demands physical hardship.