Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 39, Shloka 25
एकोनचत्वारिंशः सर्गः
Dasaratha’s Lament, Sumantra’s Commission, and Sita’s Vow of Marital Dharma
स त्वया नावमन्तव्यः पुत्रः प्रव्राजितो मम।तव दैवतमस्त्वेष निर्धनः सधनोऽपि वा।।2.39.25।।
sa tvayā nāvamantavyaḥ putraḥ pravrājito mama |
tava daivatam astv eṣa nirdhanaḥ sadhano ’pi vā || 2.39.25 ||
My son, though sent away into exile, must not be treated with contempt by you; let him be your very deity—whether he is without wealth or possessed of wealth.
You must not underestimate my son in his exile. You must treat him as your god whether he is wealthy or not.
FAQs
Dharma is framed as unwavering respect and loyalty that does not depend on external fortune; true commitment remains the same in poverty or prosperity.
With Rāma’s forest exile confirmed, Sītā is urged to maintain reverence and not let hardship diminish her regard for him.
Reverential fidelity (bhakti/śraddhā toward one’s rightful duty) expressed as constancy regardless of circumstance.