Shloka 3
कौशल्याया मङ्गलविधानम्
Kausalya’s Benedictions and Protective Rites for Rama
यं पालयसि धर्मं त्वं धृत्या च नियमेन च।स वै राघवशार्दूल धर्मस्त्वामभिरक्षतु।।2.25.3।।
yaṃ pālayasi dharmaṃ tvaṃ dhṛtyā ca niyamena ca |
sa vai rāghavaśārdūla dharmas tvām abhirakṣatu ||2.25.3||
Das Dharma, das du mit Standhaftigkeit und mit strenger Selbstzucht bewahrst, o Tiger unter den Raghus, möge eben dieses Dharma dich beschützen.
The officiating priest performed the ritual of sacrificial offerings strictly in accordance with rules for peace and happiness of Rama. With the remainder of the offerings, he performed whatever ceremonies were to be done externally.
FAQs
Dharma is presented as both a personal commitment and a protective force: if one steadfastly upholds righteous duty with courage and restraint, that very righteousness safeguards one’s path.
Rāma is being counseled and blessed as he prepares for hardship; the verse functions as a moral assurance that his adherence to dharma will be his true protection.
Dhṛti (fortitude) and niyama (disciplined self-restraint) as the practical inner supports that enable dharma to be maintained under pressure.