Shloka 2.60.11
षष्टितमः सर्गः — Kausalyā’s Lament and Sumantra’s Consolation (Sītā’s Fearless Forest-Life)
तद्गतं हृदयं ह्यस्यास्तदधीनं च जीवितम्।अयोध्यापि भवेऽत्तस्या रामहीना तदा वनम्।।।।
tadgataṃ hṛdayaṃ hy asyās tadadhīnaṃ ca jīvitam |
ayodhyāpi bhavet tasyā rāmahīnā tadā vanam ||
For her heart is fixed upon him, and her very life depends upon him; if she were without Rāma, even Ayodhyā would then become a forest to her.
Her heart is ever united with Rama, and her life is under his control. Without Rama, even Ayodhya would become a forest for her.
The verse upholds fidelity and truthful emotional alignment: Sītā’s dharma is expressed as unwavering attachment to righteousness embodied in Rāma, valuing moral companionship over comfort or place.
Sumantra explains to Kausalyā that Sītā is not psychologically ‘abandoned’ in exile because her inner life is anchored in Rāma; separation from him would be the real deprivation.
Constancy (sthāyitva) in love and purpose—Sītā’s life-orientation does not shift with external circumstance.