Shloka 2.102.12
पितृमरणश्रवणं जलक्रिया च (Hearing of Daśaratha’s death and the libation rites at Mandākinī)
समाप्तवनवासं मामयोध्यायां परन्तप।कोऽनु शासिष्यति पुनस्ताते लोकान्तरं गते।।।।
samāptavanavāsaṃ mām ayodhyāyāṃ parantapa | ko 'nu śāsiṣyati punas tāte lokāntaraṃ gate || 2.102.12 ||
O subduer of foes, when our father has gone to the other world, who will guide me again in Ayodhyā after my exile is completed?
O subduer of enemies, when father has gone to the other world, who will guide me in Ayodhya after I complete my term of exile?
Dharma is sustained through guidance from elders and legitimate authority; the loss of such guidance is treated as a profound moral and social rupture.
Rama laments that after completing exile, he will return to Ayodhyā without his father’s counsel and direction.
Rama’s humility and teachability—despite his capability, he values paternal instruction as essential for righteous living and rule.