Shloka 2.23.26
लक्ष्मणक्रोधः—दैवपुरुषकारविवादः (Lakshmana’s Wrath and the Debate on Destiny vs Human Effort)
पूर्वं राजर्षिवृत्त्या हि वनवासो विधीयते।प्रजा निक्षिप्य पुत्रेषु पुत्रवत्परिपालने।।।।
pūrvaṃ rājarṣi-vṛttyā hi vana-vāso vidhīyate |
prajā nikṣipya putreṣu putravat-paripālane ||
In earlier times, following the conduct of royal sages, forest-retirement was ordained only after entrusting the people to one’s sons—who would protect them as their own children.
Leaving their sons to look after the subjects as their own children, the rajarsis in ancient times used to retire into the forest as per practice.
Ācāra (established righteous practice) is presented as a guide: retirement is dharmic only after ensuring subjects’ welfare through responsible succession.
Lakṣmaṇa supports his argument with precedent: kings traditionally do not abandon governance abruptly; they hand it over properly and only then withdraw.
Respect for traditional statecraft and duty toward subjects—an appeal to rajadharma.