Shloka 2.95.15
मन्दाकिनीनदीदर्शनम् (The Vision of the Mandākinī at Citrakūṭa)
त्वं पौरजनवद्व्यालानयोध्यामिव पर्वतम्।मन्यस्व वनिते नित्यं सरयूवदिमां नदीम्।।।।
sakhīvac ca vigāhasva sīte mandākinīṃ nadīm | kamalāny avamajjantī puṣkarāṇi ca bhāmini ||
O Sītā, O lovely one—enter the river Mandākinī as you would a dear companion, and as you play in the water, dip the red lotuses and the white lotuses, O radiant lady.
O my lovely lady! Always think this river Mandakini as Sarayu and this mount Chitrakuta as Ayodhya and these wild animals as its inhabitants.
Dharma includes sustaining harmony in hardship: Rāma encourages innocent recreation that preserves emotional balance without abandoning restraint.
Rāma invites Sītā to enjoy the Mandākinī, depicting the river’s lotus-filled beauty to lighten the mood of exile.
Affectionate care—Rāma actively nurtures Sītā’s comfort and joy.