Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 54, Shloka 4
भरद्वाजाश्रमप्राप्तिः
Arrival at Bharadvāja’s Hermitage and Counsel toward Citrakūṭa
यथा क्षेमेण गच्छन् स पश्यंश्च विविधान् द्रुमान्।निवृत्तमात्रे दिवसे रामः सौमित्रिमब्रवीत्।।।।
yathā kṣemeṇa gacchan sa paśyaṃś ca vividhān drumān |
nivṛttamātre divase rāmaḥ saumitrim abravīt ||
ਰਾਹ ਵਿੱਚ ਖੈਰ-ਖੁਸ਼ੀ ਨਾਲ ਅੱਗੇ ਵਧਦਿਆਂ ਅਤੇ ਨਾਨਾ ਪ੍ਰਕਾਰ ਦੇ ਦਰੱਖ਼ਤ ਵੇਖਦਿਆਂ, ਦਿਨ ਢਲਣ ਲੱਗਾ ਤਾਂ ਸ੍ਰੀ ਰਾਮ ਨੇ ਸੌਮਿਤ੍ਰੀ (ਲਕਸ਼ਮਣ) ਨੂੰ ਕਿਹਾ।
O mighty Rama, I think mount Chitrakuta is the right place for you to stay. Go there. That mountain is full of trees of every kind, is inhabited by kinneras and uragas (serpents). It echoes with the cries of peacocks, is frequented by mighty tuskers. Filled with fruits and roots, it is sacred and pleasant.
FAQs
Dharma here is expressed as disciplined, non-reckless conduct in adversity: Rama proceeds carefully and attentively, modeling self-control and mindful action during exile.
Rama and Lakṣmaṇa are traveling through the forest; as evening arrives, the narration sets up Rama’s forthcoming instruction or observation to Lakṣmaṇa.
Rama’s steadiness and prudence—he moves safely and remains observant rather than agitated, reflecting inner composure under hardship.