Shloka 2.102.21
पितृमरणश्रवणं जलक्रिया च (Hearing of Daśaratha’s death and the libation rites at Mandākinī)
सीता पुरस्ताद्व्रजतु त्वमेनामभितो व्रज।अहं पश्चाद्गमिष्यामि गतिर्ह्येषा सुदारुणा।।।।
sītā purastād vrajatu tvam enām abhito vraja |
ahaṃ paścād gamiṣyāmi gatir hy eṣā sudāruṇā ||
“Let Sītā go in front; you walk close by her on either side. I shall go behind—this is indeed a most dreadful journey of mourning.”
Let us proceed in this order -- you first, Sita second and I last. This procession in mourning is terrible indeed.
Dharma as protective responsibility: Rama arranges movement so Sita is safeguarded and supported, showing that care for dependents continues even in ritual grief.
Preparing to go perform water-libations, Rama instructs Lakshmana on how to accompany and protect Sita during the sorrowful procession.
Rama’s foresight and guardianship—he organizes roles to uphold safety, propriety, and emotional steadiness amid mourning.