Ram Keeps His Father's Word

Ayodhya was full of joy. Raja Dasharath had decided that the next day his eldest son, Ram, would be named the young king. Flags went up and flower garlands were hung all over the city. Everyone loved Ram very much.

Many years earlier, in a battle, Rani Kaikeyi had saved Raja Dasharath's life. The happy king had promised her two wishes. That night, Rani Kaikeyi asked for those two wishes. First, that her son Bharat be made king. And second, that Ram go and live in the forest for fourteen years.

Raja Dasharath was filled with sorrow. He loved Ram dearly, but in the family of Raghu, a promise once given was never broken.

In the morning, Ram was called. The king was so sad that he could not speak. So Rani Kaikeyi told Ram everything. Everyone thought Ram would be upset or angry. But Ram's face did not change at all. Calmly he said, "Mother, is that all? Keeping my father's word is my highest duty. I will leave for the forest today. And if Bharat becomes king, that is a happy thing."

Ram went to his mother, Kaushalya, for her blessing. She had tears in her eyes, but she lovingly let him go. Sita said, "Where you go, I go. With you, even the forest is like a palace for me." His younger brother Lakshman said, "Bhaiya, I will come too, to look after you."

Ram and Lakshman took off their royal clothes and put on simple clothes made of tree bark, and Sita set out with them. As they left the city, the people of Ayodhya followed them, crying. Ram gently comforted everyone and said, "Listen to Bharat and stand by him."

Ram could have become king, but he placed his father's word above everything. That is why the Ramcharitmanas says, "Raghukul reeti sada chali aayi, praan jaahun baru bachanu na jaayi." It means: in Raghu's family it has always been the way that, whatever happens, a promise once given is never broken.