Shloka 2.21.9
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः — Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
मया पार्श्वे सधनुषा तव गुप्तस्य राघव।क स्समर्थोऽधिकं कर्तुं कृतान्तस्येव तिष्ठतः।।2.21.9।।
prasādayan naravṛṣabhaḥ samātaraṁ parākramāj jigamiṣur eva daṇḍakān | athānujaṁ bhṛśam anuśāsya darśanaṁ cakāra tāṁ hṛdi jananīṁ pradakṣiṇam || 2.21.63 ||
Having pacified his mother, that best of men—resolved by steadfast valor to go to Daṇḍaka—then firmly instructed his younger brother with clear intent, and with heartfelt devotion he circumambulated his mother in pradakṣiṇā.
O Rama! who can commit excesses on you, when you stand like Yama, god of death, protected by me with my bow?
Dharma is enacted through respectful conduct: calming elders, guiding juniors responsibly, and honoring one’s mother with reverence even amid personal hardship.
After persuading his mother and preparing for exile, Rāma instructs Lakṣmaṇa and performs a reverential circumambulation of Kauśalyā before departure.
Rāma’s composure and reverence—courage in action joined with gentleness toward family and strict adherence to proper conduct.