Shloka 3.47.16
सीतारावणसंवादः — Ravana Reveals Himself; Sita Affirms Rama’s Dharma
तथेत्युक्त्वा च तां रामः कैकेयीमकुतोभयः।।3.47.16।।चकार तद्वचस्तस्या मम भर्ता दृढव्रतः।
tvayā hi khalu vastavyaṃ nava varṣāṇi pañca ca ||3.47.15|| vane pravraja kākutstha pitaraṃ mocayānṛtāt |
“Indeed, you must dwell in the forest for nine years and five more. Go into exile, O Kakutstha, and free your father from falsehood.”
My husband Rama, a man of fearlessness and firm resolution, said to Kaikeyi 'Be it so' and carried out her words.
Satya-rakṣaṇa (protecting truth): Rāma is urged to accept hardship so that his father is not stained by untruth—truth is valued above comfort and power.
Kaikeyī declares the second demand: Rāma must go to the forest for fourteen years to ensure Daśaratha’s pledged word is not violated.
The ideal of filial duty aligned with satya—placing a parent’s truthfulness above personal entitlement.