Shloka 2.1.36
गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः (Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent)
एषा ह्यस्य परा प्रीतिर्हृदि संपरिवर्तते।।।।कदा नाम सुतं द्रक्ष्याम्यभिषिक्तमहं प्रियम्।
rājāpi tau mahātejā sasmāra proṣitau sutau | ubhau bharataśatrughnau mahendravaruṇopamau ||
The radiant King Daśaratha, too, remembered his two sons who were away—Bharata and Śatrughna—likened to Mahendra (Indra) and Varuṇa.
The thought of seeing his dear son coronated repeatedly surfaced his mind so great was his affection (for Rama).
Dharma here is the king’s responsibility to remain mindful of all his children and household duties, even while planning major state decisions.
As events move toward Rāma’s elevation, Daśaratha recalls that Bharata and Śatrughna are currently away from Ayodhyā.
Daśaratha’s parental concern and impartial remembrance of his sons.