Shloka 2.20.38
अयोध्याकाण्डे विंशः सर्गः — Rama Enters Kauśalyā’s Antaḥpura; Ritual Preparations and the Shock of Exile
न दृष्टपूर्वं कल्याणं सुखं वा पतिपौरुषे।अपि पुत्रे ऽपि पश्येयमिति रामाऽस्थितं मया।।।।
na dṛṣṭapūrvaṃ kalyāṇaṃ sukhaṃ vā patipauruṣe | api putre ’pi paśyeyam iti rāmāsthitam mayā ||
O Rāma, I never before saw good fortune or happiness while my husband held power; I sustained myself only with the hope that I might see it when my son came to authority.
I did not have the fortune, O Rama, to enjoy any auspicious moment or pleasure earlier when my husband was in authority. I exist with the hope that I will have it when my son assumes authority.
The verse reflects the dharmic expectation of rightful succession and protection: Kausalyā’s hope is tied to her son’s legitimate rule, which in the epic is linked with welfare, justice, and order.
Kausalyā explains that her life was carried by the expectation of Rāma’s coronation, which is now overturned by the exile.
Rāma’s role as the bearer of righteous sovereignty is implied—his rule is imagined as a source of ‘kalyāṇa’ for his mother and the realm.