Shloka 2.60.22
षष्टितमः सर्गः — Kausalyā’s Lament and Sumantra’s Consolation (Sītā’s Fearless Forest-Life)
विधूय शोकं परिहृष्टमानसा महर्षियाते पथि सुव्यवत्स्थिताः।वनेरता वन्यफलाशनाः पितुश्शुभां प्रतिज्ञां परिपालयन्ति ते।।।।
lakṣmaṇaś cāpi rāmasya pādau paricaran vane |
ārādhayati dharmajñaḥ paralokaṃ jitendriyaḥ ||
And Lakshmana too—self-controlled and knowing dharma—serves at Rama’s feet in the forest, thereby gaining spiritual merit for the world beyond.
They are upholding the sacred promise of their father with cheerful hearts, grief given the goby, steadfastly pursuing the path established by maharsis, subsisting on forest fruits and enjoying the forest life.
Dharma is shown as devoted service: Lakshmana’s attendance on Rama is righteous conduct rooted in self-restraint and loyalty, portrayed as spiritually elevating.
Sumantra continues consoling Kausalya by emphasizing Lakshmana’s disciplined service to Rama during the exile.
Lakshmana’s self-control and brotherly devotion—service performed without self-interest.