Shloka 2.18.2
अष्टादशः सर्गः — Kaikeyī Discloses the Boons: Exile to Daṇḍaka and Bharata’s Consecration
स पितुश्चरणौ पूर्वमभिवाद्य विनीतवत्।ततो ववन्दे चरणौ कैकेय्या स्सुसमाहितः।।।।
sa pituś caraṇau pūrvam abhivādya vinītavat | tato vavande caraṇau kaikeyyāḥ susamāhitaḥ ||
With humility and a composed mind, he first bowed in reverence at his father’s feet; then he saluted the feet of Kaikeyī.
With all humility and wellcomposed mind, he made reverential salutation first at his father's feet and thereafter at Kaikeyi's.
Dharma here is expressed as maryādā—proper conduct through reverence to parents and elders. Rāma’s composure and humility show that righteousness begins with disciplined respect.
Rāma enters and formally greets his father first, then Kaikeyī, establishing the respectful setting before the difficult demand is disclosed.
Vinaya (humility) and saṃyama (self-control): Rāma remains composed and dutiful in his external and inner posture.