Shloka 2.14.44
सत्यपाशः — Kaikeyi’s Demand and the Noose of the King’s Promise
तं तु पूर्वोदितं वृध्दं द्वारस्था राज सम्मतम्।।।।न शेकुरभिसंरोध्दुं राज्ञः प्रियचिकीर्षवः।
taṃ tu pūrvoditaṃ vṛddhaṃ dvārasthā rājasammatam |
na śekur abhisaṃroddhuṃ rājñaḥ priyacikīrṣavaḥ ||
But the doorkeepers—well-wishers devoted to what was dear to the king—could not restrain the aged Sumantra, who had arrived earlier and stood in the king’s favor.
The doorkeepers, beloved wellwishers of the king, did not detain aged Sumantra who was liked by the king and who had arrived early.
Dharma here is loyal service within rightful hierarchy: attendants act in accordance with the king’s wishes and established trust, not merely rigid obstruction.
Sumantra arrives early at the palace and is allowed to pass the doorkeepers to approach King Daśaratha.
The doorkeepers’ loyal discretion (knowing whom to admit) and Sumantra’s respected standing earned through faithful service.