Shloka 2.63.3
दशरथस्य शोकानुचिन्तनं शब्धवेधि-दोषस्मरणं च (Daśaratha’s grief, karmic reflection, and the remembered ‘śabdavedhī’ misdeed)
सभार्ये निर्गते रामे कौसल्यां कोशलेश्वरः।विवक्षुरसितापाङ्गां स्मृत्वा दुष्कृतमात्मनः।।2.63.3।।
praviviktāṃ nadīṃ rātrāv udāhāroham āgataḥ |
iṣuṇā 'bhihataḥ kena kasya vā kiṃ kṛtaṃ mayā || 2.63.29 ||
“At night I came to this lonely river-bank to draw water. By whom have I been struck with an arrow? What wrong have I done—to anyone at all?”
After Rama had left along with his wife the king of Kosala (Dasaratha) recollected his former evil deed and wanted to narrate it to the dark-eyed Kausalya.
Dharma is fairness and non-injury: punishment or violence without cause violates justice, especially when the victim is blameless.
The wounded ascetic explains he came only to fetch water and asks why he has been attacked.
Harmlessness and sincerity—he presents his innocent purpose and appeals to truth.