Shloka 2.21.49
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः — Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
अम्ब संहृत्य सम्भारान् दुःखं हृदि निगृह्य च।वनवासकृता बुद्धिर्मम धर्म्याऽनु वर्त्यताम्।।2.21.49।।
na taṃ paśyāmy ahaṃ loke parokṣam api yo naraḥ |
svamitraḥ api nirastaḥ api yo 'sya doṣam udāharet || 2.21.5 ||
I see no one in this world—neither an enemy nor even one who has been defeated—who would speak of any fault in him, even behind his back.
O mother! in withdrawing the articles (for consecration) and also in subduing the sorrow in your heart approve of my plan to dwell in the forest.
The verse upholds the ideal of blameless conduct: true dharma is so transparent that even opponents cannot credibly accuse one of wrongdoing, even in private.
In the tense moment surrounding the forest-exile decision, Rama speaks to steady his mother and family, emphasizing the unimpeachable character and public regard connected to the situation.
Integrity (anavadya-ācāra)—a reputation grounded in consistent righteousness, respected even by adversaries.