Shloka 2.55.19
चित्रकूटमार्गोपदेशः — Instructions for the Chitrakuta Route and the Yamuna Crossing
कालिन्दीमध्यमायाता सीता त्वेनामवन्दत।स्वस्ति देवि तरामि त्वां पारये न्मे पतिर्व्रतम्।।।।यक्ष्ये त्वां गोसहस्रेण सुराघटशतेन च।स्वस्ति प्रत्यागते रामे पुरी मिक्ष्वाकुपालिताम्।।।।
āropya prathamaṃ sītāṃ saṅghāṭaṃ parigṛhya tau | tataḥ pratēratur yattau vīrau daśarathātmajau ||
First they helped Sītā onto the raft, holding it steady; then the two heroic sons of Daśaratha crossed over with careful attention.
On reaching the middle of the river Yamuna, Sita made reverential salutations to her saying O goddess, I am crossing you, may safety be ours and may my husband fulfil his vow! After Rama's (safe) return to the city (of Ayodhya) ruled by the Ikshvaku kings, I shall worship you with a thousand cows and a hundred pots of wine.
Dharma appears as considerate protection and proper conduct: the brothers ensure Sītā’s safety first, then proceed—placing duty of care above haste.
Rāma and Lakṣmaṇa manage the raft so Sītā can board safely, and then they cross the river cautiously.
Attentiveness and protective responsibility (rakṣaṇa-bhāva), especially toward Sītā.