Shloka 2.27.5
सीताया वनगमननिश्चयः (Sita’s Resolve to Accompany Rama to the Forest)
न पिता नात्मजो नात्मा न माता न सखीजनः।इह प्रेत्य च नारीणां पतिरेको गतिस्सदा।।।।
na pitā nātmajo nātmā na mātā na sakhījanaḥ | iha pretya ca nārīṇāṁ patir eko gatis sadā ||
For a woman, neither father nor son, nor even her own self—nor mother nor friends—serves as a constant refuge; here and in the world beyond, the husband alone is always her sole resort.
It is not her father or mother, nor her son or herself, nor her friends but her husband alone gives a woman the permanent refuge in this or in the next world.
Sītā asserts the dharma of marital fidelity and shared life-duty: the husband is presented as a woman’s primary worldly and otherworldly support, implying that her rightful path is to accompany and uphold her spouse’s vow.
On the eve of exile, Sītā argues that she must go with Rāma to the forest, grounding her request in the norms of duty and lifelong companionship.
Sītā’s steadfast devotion (pativratā-bhāva) and commitment to dharma-driven companionship.