Shloka 2.21.31
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः — Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
अस्माकं च कुले पूर्वं सगरस्याज्ञया पितुः।खनद्भिस्सागरैर्भूमिमवाप्तस्सुमहान्वधः।।2.21.31।।
asmākaṃ ca kule pūrvaṃ sagarasyājñayā pituḥ |
khanadbhiḥ sāgarair bhūmim avāptaḥ sumahān vadhaḥ || 2.21.31 ||
And earlier, in our very lineage, the sons of Sagara—digging into the earth under their father’s command—met with a dreadful death.
Earlier the sons of Sagara, born in our family, while excavating the earth by the order of their father met a terrible death.
The verse underscores the seriousness with which ancestral duty and obedience were undertaken, even at the risk of life—showing dharma as commitment, not convenience.
Rama continues citing precedents to persuade his mother that following a father’s command is an established path in their royal-ancestral tradition.
Endurance and resolve (dhṛti) in carrying out duty despite danger and loss.