In the Ramayana, it was said that Sri Rama was the ‘personification of righteousness’, always with the apt conduct suited for the life stage and lifestyle.
Rama was born after intense punya efforts by his father Dasharatha. Taking guidance from Vibhandaka rushi’s son Rishyashrunga, Dasharatha completed Ashwamedha followed by Putra-Kameshti. The first was updating his Kingly status, and the second was Kaamyaka, desiring something, in this case, children. Four sons were the blessing of the effort. Rama the eldest son was looked up to by the other three brothers, and he played the role of a perfect role model.
Rama was a sincere student to the Sage Vashishta and mastered all that was offered to him by the age of twelve. When Sage Vishwamitra asked for the assistance of Rama for containing the demonic forces that were disrupting his yagya efforts, Rama followed his father's instruction and went with the sage. Vishwamitra taught Rama the entire Dhanurveda, mastery of the archery he learned from Shiva. Rama mastered it completely. Rama hesitated in attacking demoness Tataki saying that she was a woman and should be spared. Only upon the insistence of sage, he cleared her off.
Rama acceded to the desire of Dasharatha to become the regent. He also agreed to the next day’s order of getting banished and spending the next nine plus five years (nava-panchacha varshani) in the Dandakaranya, the forest. When there were suggestions even by Dasharatha that Rama could overturn the order, he refused and went by the word given to his father. Throughout the tough forest period, he didn’t criticize Kaikeyi.
Vali was killed to help Rama’s new friend Sugriva. The reason quoted by Rama was the violation of Vanara dharma by Vali, of keeping his younger brother’s wife with him. After Ravana was eliminated, Rama called Hanuman and asked him to take the permission of the new king Vibhishana and then communicate to Sita about the victory in the war. Followed Dharma in terms of permission. Rama also wanted to be clear of any controversy around re-accepting his spouse. He gave her the choice and she passed the test to be accepted, with Gods descending to vouch. Every step was measured. With multiple such incidents to buttress, it is said that ‘Ramo vigrahavan dharmah’.
Prof S Ainavolu is a Mumbai-based teacher of tradition and management. Views are personal. https://www.ainavolu.in/blog
