Shloka 2.53.18
पञ्चाशत्तमः सर्गः (Sarga 53) — Rāma’s Lament, Vigil for Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s Consolation
क्षुद्रकर्मा हि कैकेयी द्वेष्यमन्याय्यमाचरेत्।परिदद्याहि धर्मज्ञे भरते मम मातरम्।।।।
aham eko gamiṣyāmi sītayā saha daṇḍakān |
anāthāyā hi nāthas tvaṁ kauśalyāyā bhaviṣyasi ||
I shall go alone with Sita to the Dandaka forests; you must become the refuge and protector of Kausalya, who will be left without support.
Kaikeyi who is a woman of heinous deeds may follow, out of hostility, an unjust way in respect of my mother. In that case my mother may be entrusted to the care of Bharata who is righteous.
Dharma of protection (nāthatva): when rightful support is removed, duty shifts to those capable—Lakshmana should safeguard Kausalya’s well-being.
Rama frames the exile plan as himself going with Sita, while assigning Lakshmana a home-duty: caring for Kausalya in Ayodhya.
Protective responsibility and service to elders: the ideal of supporting vulnerable family members.