Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 26, Shloka 14
अयोध्याकाण्डे षड्विंशः सर्गः
Rama’s Departure and Sita’s Questions; Disclosure of Exile and Counsel on Courtly Conduct
न त्वां प्रकृतय स्सर्वा श्श्रेणीमुख्याश्च भूषिताः।अनुव्रजितुमिच्छन्ति पौरजानपदास्तथा।।।।
na tvāṃ prakṛtayaḥ sarvāḥ śreṇīmukhyāś ca bhūṣitāḥ | anuvrajitum icchanti paurajānapadās tathā ||
Why is it that the ministers, the adorned leaders of the guilds, and likewise the citizens of town and countryside do not wish to follow you in attendance?
How is it that well-adorned ministers, citizens from towns and villages, heads of guilds and others do not follow you?
FAQs
Dharma is reflected in proper civic conduct: the king-to-be is normally accompanied by the state’s officers and the people, indicating legitimacy and collective assent.
Sītā notes the absence of customary public escort and questions why Rāma is moving without the usual royal following.
Sītā’s awareness of rājadharma and public protocol—she understands that kingship is relational, involving ministers and subjects.