Shloka 2.13.8
अयोध्याकाण्डे त्रयोदशः सर्गः | Kaikeyi Presses the Boons; Dasaratha’s Lament and Collapse
अपुत्रेण मया पुत्रश्श्रमेण महता महान्।रामो लब्धो महाबाहु स्सकथं त्यज्यते मया।।।।
aputreṇa mayā putraḥ śrameṇa mahatā mahān | rāmo labdho mahābāhuḥ sa kathaṃ tyajyate mayā ||
When I had no son, with immense effort I obtained mighty, strong-armed Rāma as my son. How could I ever abandon him?
When I was issueless, I obtained mighty and valiant Rama with great effort as a son. How can I banish him?
The dharma of parental responsibility and gratitude: a father must not treat a hard-won child as disposable, especially when the child is virtuous and rightful.
Daśaratha, trapped by Kaikeyī’s boons, laments the very idea of giving up Rāma, whom he obtained after long austerities and effort.
Daśaratha’s deep attachment and sense of obligation toward his son, rooted in memory of hardship and the sanctity of fatherhood.