गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम्
Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs
श्रुत्वा रामस्य वचनं प्रतस्थे लक्ष्मणोऽग्रतः।अनन्तरं च सीताया राघवो रघुनन्दनः।।2.52.99।।
śrutvā rāmasya vacanaṃ pratasthē lakṣmaṇo ’grataḥ | anantaraṃ ca sītāyā rāghavo raghunandanaḥ ||2.52.99||
ರಾಮನ ವಚನವನ್ನು ಕೇಳಿ ಲಕ್ಷ್ಮಣನು ಮುಂಚೆ ಹೊರಟನು; ಅನಂತರ ರಘುವಂಶನಂದನ ರಾಘವನು ಸೀತೆಯ ಹಿಂದೆ ಹಿಂದೆ ನಡೆದುಹೋದನು.
Having heard the words of Rama, Lakshmana went ahead and Rama, delight of the Raghus, walked behind Sita.
Dharma as protective propriety: the brothers arrange their positions to safeguard Sītā, reflecting duty of care and respectful conduct.
The trio begins moving in a deliberate formation: Lakṣmaṇa leading, Sītā in the middle, Rāma behind.
Lakṣmaṇa’s service and vigilance, and Rāma’s guardianship—both express responsibility toward Sītā.