Shloka 3.57.17
मारीचवधोत्तरं रामस्य शङ्का-निमित्त-दर्शनं लक्ष्मण-निग्रहश्च (After Maricha’s Slaying: Omens, Anxiety, and Rama’s Rebuke of Lakshmana)
गृहीत्वा च करं सव्यं लक्ष्मणं रघुनन्दनः।।।।उवाच मधुरोदर्कमिदं परुषमार्तिमत्।
tasya santvaramāṇasya draṣṭukāmasya maithilīm |
krūrasvano ’tha gomāyur vinanādāsya pṛṣṭhataḥ ||
As Rāma hurried on, longing to see Maithilī, a jackal behind him suddenly howled with a harsh and ominous cry.
Rama, the delight of the Raghus, took hold of Lakshmana's left hand, and in sadness said these sweet harsh words :
Dharma here is vigilance: recognizing signs that threaten the safety of dependents and acting responsibly to protect them.
Rāma is rushing back to see Sītā; an ominous jackal’s howl is heard from behind, foreshadowing danger.
Rāma’s protective concern and alertness—his mind is oriented toward Sītā’s welfare.