Shloka 2.99.28
चित्रकूटप्राप्तिः — Bharata Reaches Chitrakuta and Beholds Rama
तं तु कृष्णाजिनधरं चीरवल्कलवाससम्।ददर्श राममासीनमभितः पावकोपमम्।।2.99.26।।सिंहस्कन्धं महाबाहुं पुण्डरीकनिभेक्षणम्।पृथिव्यास्सागरान्तायाः भर्तारं धर्मचारिणम्।।2.99.27।।उपविष्टं महाबाहुं ब्रह्माणमिव शाश्वतम्।स्थण्डिले दर्भसंस्तीर्णे सीतया लक्ष्मणेन च।।2.99.28।।
upaviṣṭaṃ mahā-bāhuṃ brahmāṇam iva śāśvatam |
sthaṇḍile darbha-saṃstīrṇe sītayā lakṣmaṇena ca || 2.99.28 ||
That mighty-armed Rama sat upon bare ground strewn with darbha grass, with Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa beside him—like the eternal Brahmā in serene repose.
He saw Rama, lord of the oceanbound earth, seated like blazing fire, clad in antelope skin and garment of bark, with long arms and shoulders like a lion and eyes like white lotuses. The mightyarmed warrior seemed like Brahma, the creator and the eternal, protector of righteousness. Accompanied by Sita and Lakshmana Rama sat on the bare ground strewn with darbha grass.
Dharma is sanctified simplicity: the sacred darbha seat and calm composure show purity, restraint, and a life ordered by vows rather than comfort.
Bharata sees Rama seated with Sita and Lakshmana, presenting the exile household as spiritually grounded and dignified.
Serenity and steadfastness (dhairya): Rama’s calm, almost cosmic poise, supported by Sita and Lakshmana’s loyal companionship.