Shloka 4.4.20
हनूमद्-दूत्यम् / Hanuman’s Mediation and Lakshmana’s Appeal to Sugriva
सर्वलोकस्य धर्मात्मा शरण्यश्शरणं पुरा।गुरुर्मे राघवस्सोऽयं सुग्रीवं शरणं गतः।।
sarvalokasya dharmātmā śaraṇyaḥ śaraṇaṃ purā |
gurur me rāghavas so 'yaṃ sugrīvaṃ śaraṇaṃ gataḥ ||
This Rāghava—righteous-souled, once a refuge for all the worlds, and worthy of reverence to me—has now come seeking refuge with Sugriva.
'This righteous Rama who used to lend in the past protection to the whole world and, indeed, a refuge to all, venerable sir, now seeks Sugriva's shelter.
Dharma includes honoring those who seek refuge: even a former protector may become a supplicant; offering protection remains a righteous obligation.
Hanuman introduces Rama to Sugriva, stressing Rama’s righteousness and past role as protector while noting his present need for shelter.
Rama’s dharmic character and humility; Hanuman’s reverence and truthful advocacy.