Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 21, Shloka 22
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः
Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma-based persuasion of Kausalyā
धर्मज्ञ यदि धर्मिष्ठो धर्मं चरितुमिच्छसि।शुश्रूष मामिहस्थस्त्वं चर धर्ममनुत्तमम्।।2.21.22।।
dharmajña yadi dharmiṣṭho dharmaṃ caritum icchasi | śuśrūṣa mām ihasthas tvaṃ cara dharmam anuttamam || 2.21.22 ||
ਹੇ ਧਰਮ-ਜਾਣੂ! ਜੇ ਤੂੰ ਸੱਚਮੁੱਚ ਧਰਮਿਸ਼ਠ ਹੋ ਕੇ ਧਰਮ ਦਾ ਆਚਰਨ ਕਰਨਾ ਚਾਹੁੰਦਾ ਹੈਂ, ਤਾਂ ਇੱਥੇ ਹੀ ਰਹਿ ਕੇ ਮੇਰੀ ਸ਼ੁਸ਼ਰੂਸ਼ਾ ਕਰ; ਉਸ ਅਨੁੱਤਮ ਧਰਮ ਦਾ ਆਚਰਨ ਕਰ।
You are righteous. You know your duty. If you wish to follow the path of righteousness, stay here, serve me and follow the best of dharma.
FAQs
Dharma is framed as direct service and duty within the household—especially the son’s obligation to honor and care for his mother.
Kausalyā argues that true righteousness for Rāma would be to remain in Ayodhyā and attend to her, rather than accept exile.
The virtue of śuśrūṣā (devoted service) and steadfastness in familial obligations.