Ramayana — Yuddha Kanda, Sarga 18, Shloka 32
शरणागति
धर्मनिर्णयः (Decision on Refuge and Dharma) / Rama’s Vow of Protection and the Acceptance of Vibhishana
सकृदेवप्रपन्नायतवास्मीतिचयाचते ।अभयंसर्वभूतेभ्योददाम्येतद्व्रतंमम ।।।।
sakṛd eva prapannāya tavāsmīti ca yācate |
abhayaṃ sarvabhūtebhyo dadāmy etad vrataṃ mama ||
A quem, ainda que uma só vez, se entrega em refúgio e suplica: «Sou teu», eu concedo destemor diante de todos os seres—este é o meu voto.
"I will provide protection from all living beings for the one who seeks protection from me and begs in this way. This is my vow."
FAQs
Absolute protection to the one who surrenders: once refuge is sought sincerely, granting safety (abhaya) becomes a sacred obligation.
Rāma publicly declares his universal rule of asylum while deciding Vibhīṣaṇa’s case.
Reliability and compassion—Rāma’s promise is unconditional and meant to remove fear.