Shloka 2.51.12
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकपञ्चाशः सर्गः — Guha’s Vigil and Lakṣmaṇa’s Lament (Night on the riverbank)
यो मन्त्रतपसा लब्धो विविधैश्च पराश्रमैः।एको दशरथस्येष्टः पुत्रः सदृशलक्षणः।।2.51.11।।अस्मिन् प्रव्राजिते राजा न चिरं वर्तयिष्यति।विधवा मेदिनी नूनं क्षिप्रमेव भविष्यति।।2.51.12।।
yo mantratapasā labdho vividhaiś ca parāśramaiḥ |
eko daśarathasyeṣṭaḥ putraḥ sadṛśalakṣaṇaḥ || 2.51.11 ||
asmin pravrājite rājā na ciraṃ vartayiṣyati |
vidhavā medinī nūnaṃ kṣipram eva bhaviṣyati || 2.51.12 ||
The lament is repeated: Rāma, dearly won through sacred austerities and mantras, is Daśaratha’s beloved and his very likeness; if such a one is exiled, the king will not endure long, and the land will soon be bereft like a widow.
This favourite son of Dasaratha who has similar traits like his father was born after he rigorously practised austerities accompanied by (Vedic) mantras. When he is banished, the king will not live long. Surely this land will soon be widowed.
Dharma is presented as the pillar of royal life and public order; removing the dharmic prince destabilizes both king and kingdom.
A repeated/carry-over verse in the Southern Recension presentation, continuing Bharata’s foreboding about Daśaratha and the realm after Rāma’s exile.
Reverence for virtue and rightful order—Bharata’s heart recognizes that Rāma’s presence sustains Ayodhyā’s moral center.