Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 109, Shloka 25
सत्यधर्मप्रतिपादनम्
Rama’s Defense of Truth and Dharma in Reply to Jabali
स्थिरा मया प्रतिज्ञाता प्रतिज्ञा गुरुसन्निधौ।प्रहृष्यमाणा सा देवी कैकेयी चाभवत्तदा।।2.109.25।।
sthirā mayā pratijñātā pratijñā guru-sannidhau |
prahṛṣyamāṇā sā devī kaikeyī cābhavat tadā ||2.109.25||
গুৰুস্বৰূপ পিতাৰ সন্নিধিত মই দৃঢ় প্ৰতিজ্ঞা কৰিছিলোঁ; তেতিয়া দেৱী কৈকেয়ী অত্যন্ত প্ৰহৃষ্ট হৈছিল।
I had taken a firm vow in the presence of my father (about my stay in the forest). And then Devi Kaikeyi was immensely delighted.
FAQs
A vow made in a solemn setting (before elders/authority) binds one’s conduct; dharma values steadfastness once a pledge is given.
Rāma recalls the moment he affirmed the exile vow before Daśaratha, noting Kaikeyī’s satisfaction—underscoring the vow’s public and consequential nature.
Steadfastness (dhṛti): unwavering commitment to what was promised.