Shloka 2.53.19
पञ्चाशत्तमः सर्गः (Sarga 53) — Rāma’s Lament, Vigil for Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s Consolation
नूनं जात्यन्तरे कस्मिन् स्त्रियः पुत्रैर्वियोजिताः।जनन्या मम सौमित्रे तस्मादेतदुपस्थितम्।।।।
kṣudrakarmā hi kaikeyī dveṣyam anyāyyam ācaret |
paridadyā hi dharmajñe bharate mama mātaram ||
For Kaikeyi, given to petty conduct, may out of hostility commit hateful and unjust acts; therefore, entrust my mother to Bharata, who knows dharma.
O Lakshmana, surely in one of her previous births did my mother separate women from their sons. That is why this (calamity) has befallen her.
Seeking dharmic guardianship: when injustice is feared, one should place the vulnerable under the care of a righteous person rather than respond with retaliation.
Rama anticipates possible further harm from Kaikeyi toward Kausalya and advises Lakshmana to rely on Bharata’s righteousness for Kausalya’s protection.
Prudence guided by dharma: Rama plans for safety through ethical alliances, not through anger or violence.