Shloka 2.20.2
अयोध्याकाण्डे विंशः सर्गः — Rama Enters Kauśalyā’s Antaḥpura; Ritual Preparations and the Shock of Exile
कृत्येष्वचोदितः पित्रा सर्वस्यान्तःपुरस्य च।गतिर्यश्शरणं चापि स रामोऽद्य प्रवत्स्यति।।।।
kṛtyeṣv acoditaḥ pitrā sarvasyāntaḥpurasya ca |
gatir yaḥ śaraṇaṃ cāpi sa rāmo 'dya pravatsyati ||
Though neither urged by his father nor bound by any formal duty, Rāma had been the refuge and protection of the entire inner palace household—yet that very Rāma now sets forth into exile.
Rama was the refuge and protector of all the inmates lot of the inner apartment although it was not his duty nor was he forced by his father to safeguard them. That Rama is now going on exile.
Dharma includes voluntary responsibility: true protectiveness is not merely assigned by command; it is embraced out of character and compassion.
The verse contrasts Rāma’s established role as the household’s support with the shock that he must now depart for exile.
Rāma’s protective reliability—he serves as a ‘shelter’ to others without needing external pressure or obligation.