Rama’s stand on righteousness

The Yuddha Khandam of Sri Valmiki Ramayanam begins with Rama, Lakshmana, and Sita entering the dense, Dhandaka forest. After slaying the formidable Viradha, the princes and Sita proceed to meet the ascetics living in the various asylums in the forest. Their first stop is Maharishi Sutikshna’s ashrama. The sage offers Rama extensive regions in that pristine land to stay and rule over. Rama declines the offer saying his mission was to destroy the rakshasas in the Dhandaka. 

The next morning, Rama and Lakshmana, pick up their bows and quivers, and the trio prepare for their departure. At this time Sita voices her concern over a matter that had been resting heavily in her mind: “I do not relish this journey to Dandaka to kill the rakshasas. This is my reason: Bearing bows and arrows in thy hands, thou hast come to the woods along with thy brother and (it may well happen) that seeing grim rangers of the forest, thou may discharge thy shafts. The proximity of the bow enhances the strength and energy of the bearer.” Sita then reminds Rama of an ancient story about the fate of a pious ascetic. 

Indra, with an intention to disturb a particular sage’s austerities, comes as a warrior and entrusts the sage with a short sword for safe keeping. The unsuspecting ascetic, intent upon preserving his trust, carries the weapon wherever he went. By degrees, the ascetic, foregoing all thoughts about asceticism, has his mind involved in fierce sentiments and loses his sobriety. This story, Sita points out, asserts that the presence of arms alters the mind of one bearing them. Sita goes on to give more reasons. “Having renounced kingship, and moved to the woods, thou should lead a life of an ascetic. Thou should renounce arms and renounce all thoughts of slaying, without hostility, the rakshasas residing in Dandaka. For, without offence, none should be stain. In this world Righteousness is the only substantial thing and thou should not make any moves that would take you toward unrighteousness.”

The high souled Rama after giving a patient hearing to his wife, provides her with a firm reply rooted in righteousness.  “After Sarabhanga Muni had ascended heaven,” recalled Rama “the ascetics presented themselves before me. ‘O Rama (they said) we cannot bear the terrible affliction at the hands of Rakshasas of dreadful deeds. Therefore, for obtaining refuge, we have come before thee who art the refuge (of all). Do thou, O Rama, deliver us from the demons who eat human flesh.’ Having heard these words, I promised my protection unto the saints in the forest of Dandaka, O daughter of Janaka. Having promised, I cannot violate my vow concerning the ascetics.”

“I would rather renounce my life, or thee, along with Lakshmana, — but by no means my promise made.”