Shloka 2.21.62
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः — Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
यशो ह्यहं केवलराज्यकारणान्न पृष्ठतः कर्तुमलं महोदयम्।अदीर्घकाले न तु देवि जीवितेवृणेऽवरामद्य महीमधर्मतः।।2.21.62।।
sa vai na śaknomi pituḥ pratijñām imām akartuṁ sakalāṁ yathāvat | sa hy āvayos tāta guruḥ niyoge devyāś ca bhartā sa gatiḥ sa dharmaḥ || 2.21.59 ||
Truly, dear one, I cannot fail to carry out this promise of my father in full, exactly as it was pledged. For in giving commands he is our teacher; and for the queen (my mother) he is her husband—her refuge and her dharma.
I will not forsake this great glory (of fulfilling my father's promise) for the sake of the kingdom. In this transient existence O mother, I do not wish to acquire this insignificant earth unrighteously.
Satya (truthfulness) expressed as fidelity to a vow, and dharma expressed as obedience to the father-king who is also a ‘guru’ in rightful command.
Rāma answers Lakṣmaṇa’s agitation by stating he cannot violate Daśaratha’s pledged promise and clarifying Daśaratha’s dharmic authority over the family.
Rāma’s vow-keeping integrity and his principled understanding of relational duties (son to father, subject to king, family to household head).