Shloka 2.60.6
षष्टितमः सर्गः — Kausalyā’s Lament and Sumantra’s Consolation (Sītā’s Fearless Forest-Life)
लक्ष्मणश्चापि रामस्य पादौ परिचरन्वने।आराधयति धर्मज्ञः परलोकं जितेन्द्रियः।।।।
tathāpi sūtena suyuktavādinā nivāryamāṇā sutaśokakarśitā |
na caiva devī virarāma kūjitāt priye iti putre iti ca rāghave iti ca ||
Yet, though restrained by the charioteer who spoke fittingly, the queen—worn down by grief for her son—did not cease her cries: “Beloved!”, “Son!”, and “O Rāghava!”
Selfcontrolled Lakshmana, aware of his duty, serves Rama in the forest. By this he is securing his next world.
It acknowledges truthful human emotion within dharmic life: even when dharma is explained and upheld, grief remains real; compassion requires recognizing suffering, not merely arguing against it.
Despite Sumantra’s reasoned consolation, Kausalya continues lamenting aloud, repeatedly calling to Rama with intimate forms of address.
Kausalya’s sincerity and depth of love—her lament is not weakness alone but the authentic voice of maternal attachment.