Shloka 2.112.28
पादुकाप्रदानम् (The Gift of the Sandals and Delegated Kingship)
मातरं रक्ष कैकेयीं मा रोषं कुरु तां प्रति।।2.112.27।।मया च सीतया चैव शप्तोऽसि रघुसत्तम।इत्युक्त्वाऽश्रुपरीताक्षो भ्रातरं विससर्ज ह।।2.112.28।।
mātaraṃ rakṣa kaikeyīṃ mā roṣaṃ kuru tāṃ prati || 2.112.27 ||
mayā ca sītayā caiva śapto 'si raghusattama |
ity uktvā 'śruparītākṣo bhrātaraṃ visasarja ha || 2.112.28 ||
“Protect mother Kaikeyī; do not turn your anger upon her. You are bound by an oath—by me and by Sītā.” Saying this, Rāma, his eyes filled with tears, took leave of his brother.
Look after your mother, O chief of the Raghus Do not be angry with her. Swear in my name and in the name of Sita. So saying, eyes filled with tears, Rama took leave of his brother.
It teaches restraint and filial duty: even when wronged, one should protect elders and avoid anger, while remaining faithful to truth-bound vows.
As Rama prepares to continue exile, he instructs Bharata to protect Kaikeyī and not retaliate against her.
Rama’s kṣamā (forgiveness/forbearance) and unwavering commitment to satya expressed through the sanctity of an oath.