Shloka 2.58.34
अष्टपञ्चाशः सर्गः (Sarga 58) — Daśaratha Questions Sumantra; Messages from the Forest Threshold
जानकी तु महाराज निश्श्वसन्ती मनस्विनी।भूतोपहतचित्तेव विष्ठिता विस्मृता स्मिता।।।।
ahaṃ tāvan mahārāje pitṛtvaṃ nopalakṣye |
bhrātā bhartā ca bandhuś ca pitā ca mama rāghavaḥ ||
“For my part, I no longer recognize fatherhood in the great king. For me, Rāghava alone is brother, protector, kinsman—and father.”
O great king as for that sensitive Janaki, she stood sighing, stupefied and oblivious (of the past), yet smiling as though her mind was possessed by an evil spirit.
Dharma is portrayed as allegiance to the truly righteous: when authority fails in duty, moral loyalty shifts to the dharmic person (Rama).
In the emotional rupture caused by Rama’s exile, Lakshmana declares that Rama—not the king—has become his sole refuge and guiding authority.
Lakshmana’s unwavering devotion and moral clarity in choosing service to Rama.