Shloka 2.21.12
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः — Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
प्रोत्साहितोऽयं कैकेय्या स दुष्टो यदि नः पिता।अमित्रभूतो निस्सङ्गं वध्यतां बध्यतामपि।।2.21.12।।
na rocate mamāpy etad ārye yad rāghavo vanam |
tyaktvā rājyaśriyaṃ gacchet striyā vākyavaśaṃ gataḥ ||2.21.2||
O noble one, even to me this is not acceptable—that Rāghava should go to the forest, abandoning the prosperity of the kingdom, merely because he has yielded to a woman’s words.
Even if our father instigated by Kaikeyi becomes our enemy, he shall be imprisoned or even slain regardless of our relationship with him.
It highlights rājadharma and responsibility: the welfare of the kingdom should not be abandoned due to improper influence; decisions must align with rightful duty and public good.
In the aftermath of the exile decision, Lakṣmaṇa expresses strong disapproval that Rāma would relinquish kingship and go to the forest under the pressure of Kaikeyī’s demand.
Lakṣmaṇa’s fierce loyalty and protective zeal toward Rāma, combined with his concern for justice and the integrity of governance.