Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 24, Shloka 38
कौशल्यारामसंवादः
Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma
तथा हि रामं वनवासनिश्चितंसमीक्ष्य देवी परमेण चेतसा।उवाच रामं शुभलक्षणं वचोबभूव च स्वस्त्ययनाभिकाङ्क्षिणी।।2.24.38।।
tathā hi rāmaṃ vanavāsa-niścitaṃ
samīkṣya devī parameṇa cetasā |
uvāca rāmaṃ śubhalakṣaṇaṃ vaco
babhūva ca svastyayanābhikāṅkṣiṇī || 2.24.38 ||
Thus, seeing Rāma firmly resolved on dwelling in the forest, the queen spoke to him with a heart fully engaged; and she turned her mind toward arranging rites and blessings for his well-being.
After your departure, O son, an incomparably huge fire of grief with sighs of exhaustion will burst from my body, fanned by the wind of your absence and fuelled by lamentation and affliction. My wailing tears will be the oblations. My anxiety will be the great smoke rising vapour. This fire of grief will leave me very much emaciated and burn me like fire burns a forest of dead trees or a bunch of dry grass in summer.
FAQs
It shows dharma as supportive action: when a righteous decision is irreversible, one should respond with blessings and protective rites rather than resentment—transforming grief into auspicious intention.
The sarga closes with Kausalyā, having recognized Rāma’s firm resolve, preparing to perform ceremonies for his safety and welfare.
Kausalyā’s steadiness and care: she channels emotion into dharmic, protective conduct (svastyayana), expressing love through responsible action.