Shloka 2.26.2
अयोध्याकाण्डे षड्विंशः सर्गः — Rama’s Departure and Sita’s Questions; Disclosure of Exile and Counsel on Courtly Conduct
अभिवाद्य च कौसल्यां राम स्संप्रस्थितो वनम्।कृतस्वस्त्ययनो मात्रा धर्मिष्ठे वर्त्मनि स्थितः।।2.26.1।।विराजयन्राजसुतो राजमार्गं नरैर्वृतम्।हृदयान्याममन्थेव जनस्य गुणवत्तया।।2.26.2।।
abhivādya ca kausalyāṃ rāmaḥ saṃprasthito vanam | kṛtasvastyayano mātrā dharmiṣṭhe vartmani sthitaḥ ||
virājayan rājasuto rājamārgaṃ narair vṛtam | hṛdayāny āmamantheva janasya guṇavattayā ||
After paying obeisance to Kausalyā, and after his mother had performed benedictory rites for him, Rāma set out for the forest, firmly established on the most righteous path. The prince, bright with his own splendour, entered the royal road crowded with people, and by the excellence of his character he seemed to churn the hearts of the populace.
After the benedictory rites were performed by his mother Kausalya, Rama paid obeisance to her and staying on the righteous path decided to depart to the forest. He entered the highway thronged with people and illumining it with his lustre and stirred their hearts with (remembrances of) his excellent virtues.
Dharma is steadfast adherence to the righteous course even under suffering: Rāma proceeds after honouring his mother and accepting the path duty demands.
Rāma, blessed by Kausalyā, begins his departure for exile, moving along the crowded royal road while the people are emotionally stirred.
Rāma’s dharmaniṣṭhā (firmness in righteousness) and moral charisma—his virtue moves the public deeply.