Shloka 2.24.7
कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma
अयं तु मामात्मभव स्तवादर्शनमारुतः।विलापदुःखसमिधो रुदिताश्रुहुताहुतिः।।2.24.6।।चिन्ताबाष्पमहाधूमस्तवागमनचित्तजः। कर्शयित्वा भृशं पुत्र निश्वासायाससम्भवः।।2.24.7।।त्वया विहीनामिह मां शोकाग्निरतुलो महान्।प्रधक्ष्यति यथा कक्षं चित्रभानुर्हिमात्यये।।2.24.8।।
tathā hi rāmaṃ vanavāsa-niścitaṃ
samīkṣya devī parameṇa cetasā |
uvāca rāmaṃ śubhalakṣaṇaṃ vaco
babhūva ca svastyayanābhikāṅkṣiṇī || 2.24.38 ||
Thus, seeing Rāma firmly resolved to dwell in the forest, the queen spoke to him with her whole heart engaged; and she turned her mind to arranging rites and blessings for his well-being.
After your departure, O son, an incomparably huge fire of grief with sighs of exhaustion will burst from my body, fanned by the wind of your absence and fuelled by lamentation and affliction. My wailing tears will be the oblations. My anxiety will be the great smoke rising vapour. This fire of grief will leave me very much emaciated and burn me like fire burns a forest of dead trees or a bunch of dry grass in summer.
It shows dharma as supportive action: when a righteous decision is irreversible, one should respond with blessings and protective rites rather than resentment—transforming grief into auspicious intention.
The sarga closes with Kausalyā, having recognized Rāma’s firm resolve, preparing to perform ceremonies for his safety and welfare.
Kausalyā’s steadiness and care: she channels emotion into dharmic, protective conduct (svastyayana), expressing love through responsible action.