Shloka 2.24.9
कौशल्यारामसंवादः — Kausalya–Rama Dialogue on Exile-Dharma
कथं हि धेनु स्स्वं वत्सं गच्छन्तं नानुगच्छति।अहं त्वाऽनुगमिष्यामि यत्र पुत्र गमिष्यसि।।2.24.9
kathaṃ hi dhenuḥ svaṃ vatsaṃ gacchantaṃ nānugacchati | ahaṃ tvānugamiṣyāmi yatra putra gamiṣyasi || 2.24.9 ||
How could a cow fail to follow her own wandering calf? So too, my son, I shall follow you wherever you go.
I shall follow you wherever you go, my son, like a cow following its calf. How is it possible for a cow not to follow its wandering calf?
The dharma of familial bonds: a mother’s protective responsibility and unwavering solidarity with her child in hardship.
On hearing of Rāma’s impending departure to the forest, Kausalyā declares she cannot remain behind and will accompany him.
Maternal devotion and courage—refusing comfort when her son faces exile.