Shloka 2.37.24
अयोध्याकाण्डे सर्गः ३७ — चीरधारणं, सीतासंकल्पः, वसिष्ठोपदेशः (Bark-Robe Episode and Vasistha’s Admonition)
आत्मा हि दारास्सर्वेषां दारसङ्ग्रहवर्तिनाम्।आत्मेयमिति रामस्य पालयिष्यति मेदिनीम्।।2.37.24।।
ātmā hi dārāssarveṣāṃ dārasaṅgrahavartinām | ātmeyamiti rāmasya pālayiṣyati medinīm ||
For all who live the householder’s life, the wife is indeed their very self. As she is Rama’s own self, she shall rule and protect the earth.
For every householder, his wife is the soul. Since Sita is the soul of Rama, she can rule this earth.
Vasistha argues that in the Grihastha Ashrama, the wife is the very soul (Atma) of the husband. Therefore, in Rama's absence, Sita, being his soul, has the authority to rule.
It refers to those who abide in the state of having a wife, i.e., householders. The verse highlights the spiritual unity of the couple in this stage of life.