Shloka 1.24.9
गङ्गा–सरयू-सङ्गमः, मलद–करूश-देशकथा, ताटकावनप्रवेशोपदेशः (The Confluence of Gaṅgā and Sarayū; the Tale of Malada–Karūśa; Counsel on Tātakā’s Forest)
तस्मात्सुस्राव सरसस्सायोध्यामुपगूहते ।सर प्रवृत्ता सरयू: पुण्या ब्रह्मसरश्च्युता।।1.24.9।।
tasmāt susrāva sarasā sāyodhyām upagūhate | sara-pravṛttā sarayūḥ puṇyā brahma-saraś-cyutā || 1.24.9 ||
“From that lake a river flowed forth—this sacred stream that embraces Ayodhyā. Since it issues from the lake, it is called Sarayū, and it is holy as it springs from Brahmā’s lake.”
This river which flows from Manasa Sarovara is, therefore, known as 'Sarayu'. Itsurrounds Ayodhya. This sacred river flows from that lake of Brahma.
Dharma is reinforced through sacred ecology: holy rivers and places are treated as carriers of purity and tradition, encouraging restraint, respect, and truthfulness about origins.
Viśvāmitra identifies the river Sarayū, explains its emergence from Manasa Lake, and notes its intimate connection with Ayodhyā.
Rāma’s rootedness in a dharmic world: his homeland is framed not merely politically but as sanctified by sacred geography.