Shloka 2.40.16
प्रयाणवर्णनम् (Departure from Ayodhya; Civic Lament and the Chariot’s Urgency)
तथैवायुधजालानि भ्रातृभ्यां कवचानि च।रथोपस्थे प्रतिन्यस्य सचर्म कठिनं च तत्।।।।सीतातृतीयानारूढान् दृष्ट्वा दृष्टमचोदयत्।सुमन्त्रस्सम्मतानश्वान् वायुवेगसमान्जवे।।।।
vanavāsaṃ hi saṅkhyāya vāsāṃsy ābharaṇāni ca | bhartāram anugacchantyai sītāyai śvaśuro dadau ||
Having calculated the years of forest-dwelling, her father-in-law gave Sītā garments and ornaments, for she was to follow her husband.
So also Dasaratha secured a multitude of weapons, shields and protective leather-coverings for hands and placed them at the centre of the chariot, for use by the brothers. When Sumantra ensured that Sita, Rama and Lakshmana boarded the chariot, he briskly hastened the horses which were as speedy as the wind.
Dharma includes responsible care even amid tragedy: Daśaratha supports Sītā materially for the hardship ahead, reflecting protective duty toward family.
As the exile is set, Daśaratha provides Sītā with provisions—garments and ornaments—suited to the long duration.
Compassionate responsibility: despite grief, Daśaratha acts to ensure Sītā is not left unprovided for.