Shloka 2.43.2
कौशल्याविलापः — Kausalya’s Lament and the Vision of Rama’s Return
राघवे नरशार्दूले विषमुप्त्वाहिजिह्मगा।विचरिष्यति कैकेयी निर्मुक्तेव हि पन्नगी।।।।
pātayitvā tu kaikeyyā rāmaṃ sthānād yatheṣṭataḥ |
pradiṣṭo rakṣasāṃ bhāgaḥ parvaṇīva āhitāgninā ||
Casting Rama down from his rightful station at her whim, Kaikeyi has acted like a sacrificer who, on the sacred observance day, assigns the offering-share meant for the gods to the rākṣasas.
Moving crookedly like a snake, Kaikeyi has released her venom on Rama, the best among men. Now she will move about freely like a she-serpent that has cast off its slough.
Dharma is moral and cosmic order: rightful shares must go to rightful recipients. Misplacing what is due—whether in ritual or governance—symbolizes adharma and invites disorder.
Kausalya condemns the injustice of removing Rama from his position and sending him away, framing it as a reversal of sacred propriety.
Rama’s legitimacy and worthiness are emphasized—he is ‘due’ honor and position, just as the gods are due their offering-share.