Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 24, Shloka 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 ||
“从那湖中流出一条河——这条圣流环抱着阿踰陀。因其由湖而出，故名娑罗瑜（Sarayū）；又因源自梵天之湖，故尤为神圣。”
This river which flows from Manasa Sarovara is, therefore, known as 'Sarayu'. Itsurrounds Ayodhya. This sacred river flows from that lake of Brahma.
FAQs
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.