Shloka 2.21.1
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः — Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
तथा तु विलपन्तीं तां कौसल्यां राममातरम्।उवाच लक्ष्मणो दीनस्तत्कालसदृशं वचः।।2.21.1।।
tathā tu vilapantīṃ tāṃ kausalyāṃ rāmamātaram |
uvāca lakṣmaṇo dīnas tatkālasadṛśaṃ vacaḥ || 2.21.1 ||
As Kausalya, Rama’s mother, thus lamented, Lakshmana—miserable himself—spoke to her words suited to that moment.
While Rama's mother, Kausalya was lamenting, miserable Lakshmana said to her these words appropriate to the occasion:
It indicates dharma as timely counsel and supportive speech: in crisis, one must respond with words fitted to the moment, aiming to steady the afflicted and uphold righteous action.
Kausalya is lamenting; Lakshmana, sharing the pain, begins addressing her with context-appropriate words.
Lakshmana’s loyalty and responsiveness—he does not remain passive but engages, attempting to meet the crisis with decisive speech.