Shloka 16
सीतान्वेषणारम्भः
The Search for Sita Begins
सरितं वापि सम्प्राप्ता मीनवञ्जुलसेविताम्।स्नातुकामा निलीना स्याद्धासकामा वने क्वचित्।।।।
saritaṁ vāpi samprāptā mīnavañjula-sevitām |
snātukāmā nilīnā syād dhāsakāmā vane kvacit ||3.61.16||
あるいは魚と葦の集う川辺に至り、沐浴を望んで身を潜めたのか。もしくは戯れ心から、森のどこかに隠れているのだろう。
O best of men, maybe Vaidehi has hidden in the forest intending to scare you and me. She wishes to test our love. O blessed Rama! let us ransack the forest immediately.
FAQs
Dharma is maintaining balance of mind (sattva) during uncertainty: Lakṣmaṇa counters fear with reasonable possibilities so that action remains measured and truthful.
Lakṣmaṇa proposes everyday, non-threatening reasons for Sītā’s absence—bathing in a river or hiding playfully—so the search proceeds without collapse into despair.
Emotional steadiness and supportive companionship—Lakṣmaṇa protects Rāma’s resolve by easing his agitation.