Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 55, Shloka 27
चित्रकूटमार्गोपदेशः
Instructions for the Chitrakuta Route and the Yamuna Crossing
सीतामादाय गच्छत्वमग्रतो भरतानुज।पृष्ठतोऽहं गमिष्यामि सायुधो द्विपदां वर।।।।
sītām ādāya gaccha tvam agrato bharatānuja | pṛṣṭhato 'haṁ gamiṣyāmi sāyudho dvipadāṁ vara ||
हे भरत के अनुज लक्ष्मण, मनुष्यों में श्रेष्ठ! तुम सीता को साथ लेकर आगे चलो; मैं शस्त्रधारी होकर पीछे-पीछे चलूँगा।
O Lakshmana, best among bipeds (men) and brother of Bharata! walk ahead with Sita and I shall follow with weapons.
FAQs
Dharma as protective responsibility: Rama organizes the travel formation so that Sītā is safeguarded, showing that leadership includes forethought and the duty to protect the vulnerable.
During the forest journey, Rama instructs Lakṣmaṇa to proceed ahead with Sītā while Rama follows behind armed, arranging security while moving through wilderness.
Rama’s vigilance and responsible leadership, and Lakṣmaṇa’s role as devoted protector serving the family’s safety.