Shloka 2.52.33
गङ्गातरणम्, सुमन्त्र-प्रतिनिवर्तनम्, जटाधारणम् (Crossing the Gaṅgā; Sumantra’s Return; Adoption of Ascetic Signs)
भरतं च परिष्वज्य यौवराज्येऽभिषिच्य च।अस्मत्सन्तापजं दुःखं न त्वामभिभविष्यति।।2.52.33।।
bharataṃ ca pariṣvajya yauvarājye 'bhiṣicya ca |
asmatsantāpajaṃ duḥkhaṃ na tvām abhibhaviṣyati || 2.52.33 ||
Embrace Bharata and anoint him as crown-prince; then the sorrow born of our separation will not overpower you.
On embracing Bharata and making him the crown-prince the sorrow due to our departure will not affect you.
Dharma here is responsible transition of royal duty: ensuring the kingdom and household remain steady by installing a worthy regent, so personal grief does not destabilize public order.
Rama, departing for exile, instructs Sumantra on what to do in Ayodhya so that the royal family and city can endure his absence.
Rama’s foresight and compassion—he prioritizes the welfare of others and the continuity of governance over his own situation.