Shloka 2.20.34
अयोध्याकाण्डे विंशः सर्गः — Rama Enters Kauśalyā’s Antaḥpura; Ritual Preparations and the Shock of Exile
उपावृत्त्योत्थितां दीनां बडबामिव वाहिताम्।पांसुकुण्ठितसर्वाङ्गीं विममर्श च पाणिना।।।।
upāvṛttyotthitāṃ dīnāṃ baḍabām iva vāhitām | pāṃsukuṇṭhitasarvāṅgīṃ vimamarśa ca pāṇinā ||
As she rose after rolling on the ground—wretched, like a mare strained by pulling a burden—her whole body dulled with dust, Rāma gently wiped and soothed her with his hand.
Rama gently wiped away the dust that had covered her body as Kausalya stood miserable, like a mare who stands up after having rolled on the ground while pulling the load.
Gentleness as dharma in action: Rama’s righteousness is not only in keeping vows but in tender, hands-on care for the suffering—especially one’s parents.
After Kausalya collapses and rises dust-covered, Rama physically comforts her, wiping away dust and soothing her.
Mṛdutā (gentleness) and attentive filial compassion.