Shloka 4.12.35
द्वादशः सर्गः — Rama’s Proof of Power, the First Duel, and the Identification Mark (Kishkindha Kanda, Sarga 12)
दत्ताभयवधो नाम पातकं महदुच्यते।अहं च लक्ष्मणश्चैव सीता च वरवर्णिनी4.12.35।।त्वदधीना वयं सर्वे वनेऽस्मिन् शरणं भवान्।
dattābhaya-vadho nāma pātakaṁ mahad ucyate |
ahaṁ ca lakṣmaṇaś caiva sītā ca vara-varṇinī || 4.12.35 ||
tvad-adhīnā vayaṁ sarve vane ’smin śaraṇaṁ bhavān |
To kill one who has been granted protection is said to be a great sin. I, Lakṣmaṇa, and Sītā of lovely complexion—all of us here in this forest depend upon you; you are our refuge.
'It is said that killing a person to whom protection is promised is highly sinful. Lakshmana, darling Sita and me, are under your care and you are our refuge.
A central dharmic rule is stated: harming one who has been given protection (abhaya) is a grave moral fault; protection creates binding responsibility.
Rāma frames his restraint through dharma, reminding Sugrīva of mutual obligations and dependence in their alliance.
Rāma’s fidelity to dharma and truthfulness about moral limits even in conflict.