अयोध्याकाण्डे सर्गः ३७ — चीरधारणं, सीतासंकल्पः, वसिष्ठोपदेशः
Bark-Robe Episode and Vasistha’s Admonition
यानैश्च मुख्यैः परिचारकैश्चसुसंवृता गच्छतु राजपुत्री।वस्त्रैश्च सर्वैस्सहितैर्विधानैर्नेयं वृता ते वरसम्प्रदाने।।2.37.36।।
yānaiś ca mukhyaiḥ paricārakaiś ca susaṁvṛtā gacchatu rāja-putrī | vastraiś ca sarvaiḥ sahitair vidhānair neyaṁ vṛtā te vara-sampradāne || 2.37.36 ||
Let the princess go surrounded by excellent conveyances and attendants, with garments and every requisite. When you sought your boons, you did not include her (Sītā) in what you demanded.
I am going to the forest to live there for fourteen years. Bring me two things: a basket and a crowbar.
Dharma requires truthful limits: one must not expand a harsh command beyond what was actually promised or asked, especially when it harms an innocent.
Vasiṣṭha insists Sītā should be allowed proper comfort and protection because Kaikeyī’s boon concerned only Rāma.
Vasiṣṭha’s commitment to fairness and protective duty toward the royal household.