Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 102, Shloka 21
पितृमरणश्रवणं जलक्रिया च
Hearing of Daśaratha’s death and the libation rites at Mandākinī
सीता पुरस्ताद्व्रजतु त्वमेनामभितो व्रज।अहं पश्चाद्गमिष्यामि गतिर्ह्येषा सुदारुणा।।।।
sītā purastād vrajatu tvam enām abhito vraja |
ahaṃ paścād gamiṣyāmi gatir hy eṣā sudāruṇā ||
“Hãy để Sītā đi trước; ngươi hãy đi sát bên nàng, che chở hai phía. Ta sẽ đi sau—quả thật đây là cuộc hành trình tang thương vô cùng thảm thiết.”
Let us proceed in this order -- you first, Sita second and I last. This procession in mourning is terrible indeed.
FAQs
Dharma as protective responsibility: Rama arranges movement so Sita is safeguarded and supported, showing that care for dependents continues even in ritual grief.
Preparing to go perform water-libations, Rama instructs Lakshmana on how to accompany and protect Sita during the sorrowful procession.
Rama’s foresight and guardianship—he organizes roles to uphold safety, propriety, and emotional steadiness amid mourning.