Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 53, Shloka 17
पञ्चाशत्तमः सर्गः (Sarga 53)
Rāma’s Lament, Vigil for Sītā, and Lakṣmaṇa’s Consolation
अहमेको गमिष्यामि सीतया सह दण्डकान्।अनाथाया हि नाथस्त्वं कौशल्याया भविष्यसि।।।।
aham eko gamiṣyāmi sītayā saha daṇḍakān |
anāthāyā hi nāthas tvaṁ kauśalyāyā bhaviṣyasi ||
私はシーターと共に、ただ二人でダンダカの森へ赴く。そなたは、頼る者なきカウサリヤーの守り手となり、支えとなれ。
Kaikeyi who is a woman of heinous deeds may follow, out of hostility, an unjust way in respect of my mother. In that case my mother may be entrusted to the care of Bharata who is righteous.
FAQs
Dharma of protection (nāthatva): when rightful support is removed, duty shifts to those capable—Lakshmana should safeguard Kausalya’s well-being.
Rama frames the exile plan as himself going with Sita, while assigning Lakshmana a home-duty: caring for Kausalya in Ayodhya.
Protective responsibility and service to elders: the ideal of supporting vulnerable family members.