Shloka 2.2.35
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)
गान्धर्वे च भुवि श्रेष्ठो बभूव भरताग्रजः।कल्याणाभिजन स्साधुरदीनात्मा महामतिः।।2.2.35।।
yathā ca tava kaikēyī sumitrā ca viśēṣataḥ | tathaiva dēvī kauśalyā mama mātā viśēṣataḥ ||
Just as you show special consideration to Kaikeyī and to Sumitrā, in the very same way you should show special consideration to Devī Kauśalyā—my mother.
Just as you treat Kaikeyi and Sumitra in a special manner, so should you treat Devi Kausalya, my mother.
Impartial and respectful conduct within the royal household: a king should uphold fairness and dignity toward all queens, not allowing favoritism to diminish another’s honor.
Rāma urges the king to treat his mother Kauśalyā with the same special regard shown to Kaikeyī and Sumitrā, reinforcing harmony and justice within the family.
Rāma’s maryādā (propriety) and dharma-sensitivity: he safeguards his mother’s dignity while speaking in a measured, principled manner.