Valmiki Ramayana · Ayodhya Kanda · Sarga 2
तं चन्द्रमिव पुष्येण युक्तं धर्मभृतां वरम्। यौवराज्ये नियोक्ताऽस्मि प्रीतः पुरुषपुङ्गवम्
taṃ candramiva puṣyeṇa yuktaṃ dharmabhṛtāṃ varam| yauvarājye niyoktā'smi prītaḥ puruṣapuṅgavam
I propose to install him (Rama), foremost among upholders of righteousness and the best of men who resembles the Moon in brightness when in conjunction with Pushya star, as heirapparent to the throne.
— M.N. Dutt (1891)
Commentary
The king declares his proposal: to install Rama as prince regent. The word 'foremost among upholders of righteousness' is carefully chosen — it reassures the assembly that the kingdom will be in dharmic hands. Dasharatha is not stepping down; he is elevating Rama without stepping aside.
यौवराज्यअभिषेक