Root of righteousness

Valmiki’s inspired narration accurately recreates the events in Rama’s life. The sage

handed over this narrative to Lava and Kusha, who grew up in his hermitage under his tutelage. It is said that Rama listened with

rapt attention when the lads rendered this tale in His court. The events, characters, language,

poetry, metaphor, analogies, and intricate details of dialogue exchanges, etc. — add

untold charm and depth to this epic, pointed out Sri Sankararama Dikshitar in a lecture. Every scene is described with the effect of immediacy — so much so — these word-pictures become evocative and perceptible when read, or listened to or explained

by erudite scholars.

Dasaratha had announced Rama’s coronation after consulting the people who were eagerly

looking forward to His reign. But a shocking twist materialised in the course of what seemed to be a straight line of action and the

profound emotional repercussions of this upheaval are captured in classic detail.

Rama was summoned to Dasaratha’s

presence and when he approached the palace, He saw a jaded Dasaratha instead of a jubilant

father.

When Rama touched the feet of His father, Dasaratha’s anguished expression makes Rama

react sharply as if He had trod on a snake. Had He acted or spoken in any manner to make His father so visibly shaken? So He urges Kaikeyi to tell Him the reason for His father’s present state. He states that He would do the king’s bidding most readily — whatever be it, even if it was to jump into fire. Kaikeyi then tells Rama that the king had promised her  something long ago and is now repenting

for it. He is unable to disclose this disagreeable matter to his dear Rama. She claims that

“truth is the root of righteousness” and that it is in Rama’s hands to uphold Dasaratha’s

word of honour. In a matter-of-fact manner

she tells Rama that Bharata would rule the kingdom for 14 years when Rama would dwell in the forest as a hermit. Rama tells her that He would have not have hesitated to fulfil His father’s words at any cost and gets ready

to leave.