Shloka 2.29.19
सीताया वनगमननिश्चयः — Sita’s Resolve to Accompany Rama to the Forest
एवमस्मात्स्वकां नारीं सुवृत्तां हि पतिव्रताम्।नाभिरोचयसे नेतुं त्वं मां केनेह हेतुना।।।।
ihaloke ca pitṛbhir yā strī yasya mahāmate | adbhir dattā svadharmeṇa pretyabhāve 'pi tasya sā ||2.29.18||
And in this very world, O great-minded one, the woman whom a man’s parents give to him—according to customary dharma, with the ritual gift of water—belongs to him even after death.
Why don't you want to take to the forest your own wife who is loyal and devoted, and is of good conduct.
It underscores the sacramental nature of marriage (saṃskāra): a wife is joined through dharmic ritual, implying enduring mutual obligation—especially the duty of shared life-journey and protection.
Sītā supports her request to accompany Rāma into exile by citing the permanence of the marital bond established through ritual tradition.
Sītā’s moral reasoning and fidelity: she argues from śāstric-social norms rather than fear, insisting on rightful companionship.