Shloka 2.60.15
षष्टितमः सर्गः — Kausalyā’s Lament and Sumantra’s Consolation (Sītā’s Fearless Forest-Life)
ध्वंसयित्वा तु तद्वाक्यं प्रमादात्पर्युपत्स्थितम्।ह्लादनं वचनं सूतो देव्या मधुरमब्रवीत्।।।।
adhvanā vātavegena sambhrameṇātapena ca |
na vigacchati vaidehyāś candrāṃśu-sadṛśī prabhā ||
Vaidehī’s radiance, like moonbeams, does not diminish—neither from the road’s fatigue, nor the wind’s swiftness, nor the haste of travel, nor even the sun’s heat.
Diverting the context of what he uttered inadvertently relating to Kaikeyi, the charioteer said pleasing words of consolation to Kausalya.
Dharma is shown as inner steadiness (sattva) that remains luminous under hardship; true integrity does not ‘fade’ with discomfort.
Sumantra reassures Kausalyā by describing Sītā’s undiminished beauty and strength during the difficult journey into exile.
Endurance and inner radiance—Sītā’s calm strength in adversity.