Shloka 2.44.13
सुमित्रोपदेशः — Sumitra’s Consolation to Kausalya
यस्येषुपथमासाद्य विनाशं यान्ति शत्रवः।कथं न पृथिवी तस्य शासने स्थातुमर्हति।।।।
yasyēṣupatham āsādya vināśaṃ yānti śatravaḥ | kathaṃ na pṛthivī tasya śāsane sthātum arhati ||
When enemies who come within the range of his arrows meet destruction, how could the earth not be fit to stand under his rule?
When enemies who are targets of his arrows are destoyed, how can this earth, not stay under the command of Rama?
It frames political authority as dharmically grounded in the capacity to protect and subdue injustice—power justified by protection of the world.
Sumitrā argues that Rāma’s inherent sovereignty and martial excellence make his eventual rule natural and rightful.
Protective strength and just rulership—the king as defender against wrongdoing.