Shloka 5.16.20
षोडशः सर्गः (Sarga 16): Hanumān’s Recognition of Sītā and Renewed Lament
सर्वान् भोगान्परित्यज्य भर्तृस्नेहबलात्कृता।अचिन्तयित्वा दुःखानि प्रविष्टा निर्जनं वनम्।।5.16.19।।संतुष्टा फलमूलेन भर्तृशुश्रूषणे रता।या परां भजते प्रीतिं वनेऽऽपि भवने यथा।।5.16.20।।सेयं कनकवर्णाङ्गी नित्यं सुस्मितभाषिणी।सहते यातनामेतामनर्थानामभागिनी।।5.16.21।।
saṃtuṣṭā phala-mūlena bhartṛ-śuśrūṣaṇe ratā | yā parāṃ bhajate prītiṃ vane 'pi bhavane yathā ||5.16.20||
Content with fruits and roots, devoted to serving her husband, she found supreme joy even in the forest—just as if she were in a palace.
"On account of her immense love towards her husband she has given up all kinds of luxuries, not caring for suffering. She was satisfied with fruits and roots in the desolate forest. Engaged in serving her husband, she experienced utmost joy as in her own palace. A lady of golden complexion who had not experienced suffering earlier is subjected to sorrow and is tolerating calamities in this way
Santoṣa and seva as dharma: ethical life is shown as inner contentment and devoted service, independent of external comfort or status.
Hanuman describes how Sita lived during exile—accepting austere food and finding joy through service and companionship.
Santoṣa (contentment) and niṣkāma-sevā (service without craving), revealing spiritual resilience.