Shloka 2.44.18
सुमित्रोपदेशः — Sumitra’s Consolation to Kausalya
दुःखजं विसृजन्त्यस्रं निष्क्रामन्तमुदीक्ष्य यम्।अयोध्यायां जनास्सर्वे शोकवेगसमाहताः।।।कुशचीरधरं देवं गच्छन्तमपराजितम्।सीतेवानुगता लक्ष्मी स्तस्य किं नाम दुर्लभम्।।।।
duḥkhajaṃ visṛjanty asraṃ niṣkrāmantam udīkṣya yam | ayodhyāyāṃ janāḥ sarve śokavega-samāhatāḥ || kuśa-cīra-dharaṃ devaṃ gacchantam aparājitam | sīteva anugatā lakṣmī tasya kiṃ nāma durlabham ||
When all the people of Ayodhyā saw him setting out, they were struck by a surge of grief and shed tears born of sorrow. Yet he went forth—godlike, unconquered, clothed in kuśa-grass and bark; and with him Fortune followed, as though she were Sītā herself. What could ever be difficult for such a man?
When the people of Ayodhya saw the god-like Rama departing, clad in robes of kusha and bark, they were moved to tears of grief. What is impossible for him who is unconquerable and whom Sita, like the goddess of fortune, follows.
Dharma is steadfastness under suffering: Rama’s acceptance of exile does not diminish his auspiciousness; righteousness is portrayed as carrying its own ‘fortune’ even in hardship.
Rama departs Ayodhya for the forest in ascetic attire; the citizens grieve intensely, while the speaker interprets his departure as still marked by invincibility and auspicious destiny.
Aparājitva (unconquerability) and inner sovereignty—Rama remains ‘victorious’ in spirit and moral power even while renouncing royal life.