Shloka 2.64.65
शब्दवेध्य-अनर्थः, ऋषिशापः, दशरथस्य प्राणत्यागः (The Sound-Target Tragedy, the Sage’s Curse, and Dasaratha’s Death)
यदि मां संस्पृशेद्रामस्सकृदद्य लभेत वा।यमक्षयमनुप्राप्ता द्रक्ष्यन्ति न हि मानवाः।।।।
yadi māṃ saṃspṛśed rāmaḥ sakṛd adya labheta vā | yamakṣayam anuprāptā drakṣyanti na hi mānavāḥ ||
Before I die, will Rama touch me even once today, or come to my side? For once one has reached Yama’s irrevocable abode, people do not behold their loved ones again.
Before I die, will Rama touch me once or will he come to me? After reaching the abode of Yama men cannot see their relations.
It underscores the urgency of fulfilling familial and relational duties while life remains—dharma must be enacted in time, since death ends ordinary human meetings.
Daśaratha, near death from grief over Rama’s exile, longs for a final touch or sight of Rama before departing for Yama’s realm.
Rama’s filial devotion is implied as the desired consummation—Daśaratha’s last wish is a dharmic closure through the son’s presence.