Shloka 2.49.17
एकोनपञ्चाशः सर्गः (Sarga 49): Rāma’s Night Journey Beyond Kosala and the Charioteer Address
राजर्षीणां हि लोकेऽस्मिन् रत्यर्थं मृगया वने।काले कृतां तां मनुजैर्घन्विनामभिकाङ्क्षिताम्।।।।
kadā ’haṁ punar āgamya sarayvāḥ puṣpite vane | mṛgayāṁ paryaṭiṣyāmi mātrā pitrā ca saṅgataḥ ||
When shall I return again and, reunited with my mother and father, roam for the hunt in the blossoming forest by the Sarayū?
In this world, hunting in the woods is a pleasure for royal sages and is greatly sought after by bowmen. This was later resorted to by others.
Dharma is filial connectedness and rightful domestic harmony: Rama’s longing centers on reunion with parents, implying that family bonds and service to elders are natural supports of righteous life.
Rama, on the road, speaks wistfully to the charioteer about returning to Ayodhyā’s Sarayū-side forests with his parents.
Filial devotion—his heart turns to mother and father even amid uncertainty.