Shloka 3.10.17
दशमः सर्गः — Rama’s Vow to Protect the Sages of Daṇḍaka (Dharma of Refuge)
मया चैतद्वचश्श्रुत्वा कार्त्स्न्येन परिपालनम्।ऋषीणां दण्डकारण्ये संश्रुतं जनकात्मजे।।।।
hitam uktaṁ tvayā devi snigdhayā sadṛśaṁ vacaḥ |
kulaṁ vyapadiśantyā ca dharmajñe janakātmaje ||
O Devi, O Janaka’s daughter who understands dharma—what you have said, affectionately and with regard for your noble lineage, is wholesome and fitting.
O daughter of Janaka, on hearing the words of the sages I promised to undertake the entire protection of sages of the Dandaka forest.
Dharma is presented as guidance that is both affectionate and principled—good counsel should be ‘hita’ (beneficial) and ‘sadṛśa’ (appropriate) to one’s character and lineage.
In the Dandaka region, Sita has advised Rama with loving concern; Rama acknowledges her counsel as proper and dharmic.
Sita’s discernment and propriety (dharma-jñāna) in offering timely, fitting advice.