Shloka 4.18.53
वाली–रामसंवादः (Rama’s Justification to Vali on Rājadharma)
बालश्चाकृतबुद्धिश्च एकपुत्रश्च मे प्रियः।तारेयो राम भवता रक्षणीयो महाबलः।।
bālaś cākṛtabuddhiś ca eka-putraś ca me priyaḥ | tāreyo rāma bhavatā rakṣaṇīyo mahābalaḥ ||
He is but a child, his judgment not yet formed—my only son and dear to me. O Rama, Tara’s son, though mighty, must be protected by you.
'O Rama! he is my only son through Tara and dear to me. He is young,innocent but strong.He deserves to be protected by you.
Dharma as protection (rakṣaṇa): strength alone is not enough; the young and inexperienced require a righteous guardian to ensure justice and stability.
Vali formally entrusts Angada to Rama’s care, framing it as a moral responsibility after Vali’s fall.
Rama’s role as protector—compassionate power guided by dharma.