Shloka 2.53.20
पञ्चाशत्तमः सर्गः (Sarga 53) — Rāma’s Lament, Vigil for Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s Consolation
मया हि चिरपुष्टेन दुखसंवर्धितेन च।विप्रयुज्यत कौशल्या फलकाले धिगस्तु माम्।।।।
mayā hi cirapuṣṭena duḥkhasaṁvardhitena ca |
viprayujyata kauśalyā phalakāle dhig astu mām ||
Kausalya, who nourished me long and raised me through hardship, is separated from me just when the time of fruition had come—shame upon me!
Kausalya nurtured me for a long time and reared me with great difficulty. When she was going to enjoy the fruits of her labour, I have been separated from her. Fie upon me!
Gratitude as dharma: Rama recognizes a parent’s sacrifice and feels moral pain that she is denied the ‘fruit’ of her care.
While departing for exile, Rama grieves that Kausalya is separated from him at the very moment she should have enjoyed his kingship and presence.
Kṛtajñatā (thankfulness): Rama’s deep acknowledgment of his mother’s long effort and suffering.