Shloka 2.33.29
त्रयस्त्रिंशः सर्गः — Civic Lament and Rama’s Dutiful Approach to Daśaratha
प्रतीक्षमाणोऽपि जनं तदार्तमनार्तरूपः प्रहसन्निवाथ।जगाम रामः पितरं दिदृक्षुःपितुर्निदेशं विधिवच्चिकीर्षुः।।।।
yaṃ yāntam anuyāti sma caturaṅgabalaṃ mahat | tam ekaṃ sītayā sārdham anuyāti sma lakṣmaṇaḥ ||
Him whom, when he set forth, a mighty fourfold host once followed—now, as he goes alone, only Lakṣmaṇa follows, together with Sītā.
Even after observing the people in grief, Rama did not reveal his sorrowful feelings. Bound by duty he went in as if with a smile to see his father.
True dharma is not upheld by force or pomp but by faithful companionship and principled action; the shift from army to family-followers highlights inner righteousness over outer power.
Citizens contrast Rāma’s former royal processions with his present solitary departure, accompanied only by Sītā and Lakṣmaṇa.
Lakṣmaṇa’s devotion and Sītā’s steadfastness—loyalty that chooses hardship in support of dharma.