Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 39, Shloka 36
एकोनचत्वारिंशः सर्गः
Dasaratha’s Lament, Sumantra’s Commission, and Sita’s Vow of Marital Dharma
एतावदभिनीतार्थमुक्त्वा स जननीं वचः।त्रयश्शतशतार्धाश्च ददर्शा वेक्ष्य मातरः।।2.39.36।।
etāvad abhinītārtham uktvā sa jananīṃ vacaḥ |
trayaś śataśatārdhāś ca dadarśāvekṣya mātaraḥ ||2.39.36||
Matapos niyang sabihin sa kaniyang ina ang mga salitang ito—pino ang diwa at may takdang sukat—pagkaraan ay tumingin siya sa iba pang mga ina, na tatlong daan at limampu ang bilang.
Speaking thus to his mother with highly polished words, he then turned his gaze at his other three hundred and fifty mothers.
FAQs
Dharma is expressed as impartial respect within the royal family: Rāma does not confine duty to one relationship but extends regard to all maternal figures in the household.
After consoling Kauśalyā, Rāma turns to address the other queens regarded as his mothers, who are also distressed by the impending exile.
Rāma’s courtesy and inclusiveness—he honors all elders and caretakers, not only his birth-mother.