Shloka 3.64.56
गोदावरीतटे सीतान्वेषणम् — The Search for Sītā at the Godāvarī
मां प्राप्य हि गुणो दोषस्संवृत्तः पश्य लक्ष्मण।।।।अद्यैव सर्वभूतानां रक्षसामभवाय च।संहृत्यैव शशिज्योत्स्नां महान्सूर्य इवोदितः।।।।संहृत्यैव गुणान्सर्वान्मम तेजः प्रकाशते।
māṃ prāpya hi guṇo doṣaḥ saṃvṛttaḥ paśya lakṣmaṇa |
adyaiva sarvabhūtānāṃ rakṣasām abhavāya ca |
saṃhṛtyaiva śaśijyotsnāṃ mahān sūrya ivoditaḥ |
saṃhṛtyaiva guṇān sarvān mama tejaḥ prakāśate |
O Lakṣmaṇa, see how even what would be called a fault becomes a merit when it is joined with my purpose. Today, for the destruction of the rākṣasas and the protection of all beings, my splendour will rise like the great sun that overwhelms the moonlight—so that my righteous power shines forth, eclipsing all lesser considerations.
O Lakshmana! even demerits turn into merits when they come in contact with me. Just as the Sun shines, effacing the moonlight, my brilliance will outshine my demerits of exterminating all (wicked) beings including the demons.
Dharma here is framed as protective justice: force that might appear blameworthy becomes ethically justified when directed toward safeguarding beings and restraining destructive evil (rakṣasas).
After Sītā has been taken, Rāma speaks to Lakṣmaṇa in rising wrath and resolve, declaring that his power will now manifest for the destruction of the rākṣasas.
Rāma’s protector-role (rakṣaṇa-dharma): decisive strength used in service of righteousness, not personal cruelty—though expressed through intense grief and anger.