Shloka 2.21.59
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः — Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
स वै न शक्नोमि पितुः प्रतिज्ञामिमामकर्तुं सकलां यथावत्।स ह्यावयोस्तात गुरुर्नियोगेदेव्याश्च भर्ता स गति स्सधर्मः।।2.21.59।।
tad idaṁ vacanaṁ rājñaḥ punar bālyam upeyuṣaḥ | putraḥ ko hṛdaye kuryād rājavṛttam anusmaran || 2.21.7 ||
What son, mindful of the righteous conduct of kings, could take to heart these words of a king who seems to have returned to childishness?
It is impossible for me not to execute the promise completely, O my dear, he (Dasaratha) is our preceptor and, therefore, fit to command us. Even for mother Kausalya, he is her husband, her refuge and her dharma.
Dharma in kingship requires steadiness and principled judgment; impulsive or ‘childish’ decisions are seen as contrary to rāja-dharma.
Lakṣmaṇa reacts strongly to the king’s decision that leads to Rāma’s exile, questioning how such words can align with royal propriety.
Lakṣmaṇa’s fierce loyalty and protective vigilance toward Rāma, coupled with his insistence on standards of righteous governance.