Shloka 2.60.19
षष्टितमः सर्गः — Kausalyā’s Lament and Sumantra’s Consolation (Sītā’s Fearless Forest-Life)
नूपुरोद्घुष्टहेलेव खेलं गच्छति भामिनी।इदानीमपि वैदेही तद्रागान्नयस्त भूषणा।।।।
naya māṃ yatra kākutsthaḥ sītā yatra ca lakṣmaṇaḥ |
tān vinā kṣaṇam apy atra jīvituṃ notsahe hy aham ||
Take me to wherever Rāma of the Kakutsthas is—where Sītā is, and where Lakṣmaṇa is. Without them, I do not wish to live here even for a single moment.
Casting off her ornaments, the damsel (Sita) is gracefully walking as if dalliant with her tinkling anklets for her love for him (Rama).
The verse highlights relational dharma—Kausalya’s identity as a mother bound by loving responsibility and moral attachment to her son’s righteous path. Her plea reflects the dharmic weight of familial bonds and care, even amid political exile.
After Rama’s departure toward forest exile, Kausalya, overwhelmed by separation, implores Sumantra to take her to the place where Rama, Sita, and Lakshmana are, declaring she cannot bear life without them.
Kausalya’s deep devotion and steadfast maternal love (vātsalya-bhāva), showing emotional truthfulness and unwavering attachment to Rama’s welfare.