Shloka 2.45.19
अयोध्यावासिजनानुरागः — The People and Brahmins Follow Rama toward Exile
द्विजातींस्तु पदातींस्तान् रामश्चारित्रवत्सलः।न शशाक घृणाचक्षुः परिमोक्तुं रथेन सः।।।।
padbhyām eva jagāma atha sa-sītaḥ saha-lakṣmaṇaḥ |
sannikṛṣṭa-pada-nyāso rāmo vana-parāyaṇaḥ ||
Then Rama—bound for the forest—went on foot, with Sita and Lakshmana beside him, placing his steps slowly and close.
Rama a man of probity and compassion could not ride off in his chariot while those brahmins were trudging far behind.
Dharma is shown as self-restraint and solidarity: Rama accepts hardship without privilege, walking alongside his companions rather than proceeding in comfort.
After alighting from the chariot, Rama continues toward exile on foot together with Sita and Lakshmana.
Rama’s austerity and consideration—he slows his pace, mindful of those around him.