Jaya Sri Ram! As we enter into the auspicious ten days of the Dasara, which will culminate in the Vijayadashami, the day of victory of Good, represented by Lord Rama over the Evil-Ravana; we bring you a series of narrations from Ramayana, describing ten transcendental qualities of Lord Ramachandra, one for every day of the Dussehra.

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Quality 3: Lord Rāma, the Adherent

One of the most valuable qualities of Lord Rāma is adherence. It means to stick to or to abide by, something willingly, also describes utmost devotion.

His adherence to the Kshatriya rules, Scriptural laws, and the rules of morality impressed everyone, everybody, a friend or a foe, came across Lord Rāma and respectfully touched his lotus feet. His adherence to the fair rules of combat was even adored, by the Gods.

The epic Rāmāyaṇa lets us discover many instances which glorify Rāma’s adherence to his principles.

Acquiescence

After helping Viśvāmitra complete his sacrifice and then winning Sītā in the svayambara, it was time to coronate Rāma as the new King of Ayodhyā. But Kaikeyī, on the ill-advice of Manthara, wanted Bhārata, Kaikeyī’s son, to be the new King. So as advised by Manthara, she used her two boons which the mighty Daśaratha had promised to offer her. Kaikeyī’s first boon asked Bhārata to be installed as the Prince Regent in Rāma’s place. For the second, Rāma had to be exiled to the forest, and remain there for fourteen years.

Listening to these Daśaratha, gazed at his wife in utter disbelief. He was seized by agonizing anxiety when he heard her cruel utterance.

Rāma was then called, to the King’s palace. Noticing the heartbroken King mute and the ever guileless Rāma, Kaikeyī carried out her desire, and in an unkind sound, she revealed her wicked intentions to Rāma.

Rāma looked towards His father, who didn’t return a glance. The King held his head down and wept softly. Rāma turned back to Kaikeyī, his step-mother and replied, “Ordered only by you, O Kaikeyī, I would joyfully part with, in favour of Bhārata, not only the Kingdom but also all My personal property, My wedded wife Sītā and even My beloved Self, then how much more gladly would I part with these things when ordered by My father. Please reassure My afflicted father, for seeing him sitting there shedding tears pains Me greatly. He may feel assured that I shall immediately enact his desire without feeling any sorrow at all. Without questioning my father’s command, I shall now quickly proceed to the forest.” 

Unable to speak due to grief, Daśaratha wept aloud. Rāma bowed at the feet of His father and also before the hard-hearted Kaikeyī. With his hands’ fold, Rāma circumambulated around, His father and step-mother and then departed.

Rāma went around the royal seat without casting His eyes on it. Despite His renouncing the rulership of the world, no change of mood was perceived in Rāma, just like a perfect yogi who had completely transcended all dualities.

Rāma went before His grieving mother, Kauśalyā to take his leave and knelt with folded hands, bowing His head low. Lakṣman, who had resigned himself to accept Rāma’s determination to depart followed close behind. Soon Sītā joined them too.

Daśaratha was embarrassed. He knew Rāma’s adherence to his principles, piety and truth. He could see that Rāma’s decision to depart was firm and irreversible.

Entire Ayodhyā mourned the exile of Rāma. The public cursed Kaikeyī and offered their blessings to the trio. They were even ready to evacuate the city of Ayodhyā and turn the forest where Rāma would continue his exile as a city. Such was the adherence of the people towards Rāma.