Shloka 2.93.13
चित्रकूटमार्गवर्णनम् — Bharata’s Army Reaches Chitrakuta and Searches for Rama
कुर्वन्ति कुसुमापीडान् शिरस्सु सुरभीनमी। मेघप्रकाशैः फलकैर्दाक्षिणात्या यथा नराः।।2.93.13।।
kurvanti kusumāpīḍān śirassu surabhīn amī | meghaprakāśaiḥ phalakaiḥ dākṣiṇātyā yathā narāḥ ||2.93.13||
These trees seem to set fragrant garlands of flowers upon their “heads,” like men of the South who wear bright, cloud-like shields as head-gear.
Like the people of the south, the trees on the mountain ridges with branches, brilliant like clouds, are crowned with fragrant flowers as adornments.
Dharma here is cultural literacy and non-contempt: the simile treats regional custom as a natural point of reference, implying respectful recognition of diverse practices within a shared world.
The narrator continues describing the forest scenery, comparing flower-laden treetops to human adornment and regional attire.
Refined observation and respect for variety—seeing beauty through comparison rather than hostility.