Shloka 2.12.29
द्वादशः सर्गः — Kaikeyi’s Boons and Dasaratha’s Moral Collapse (Ayodhya Kanda 12)
सत्येन लोकान् जयति दीनान् दानेन राघवः।गुरूञ्छुश्रूषया वीरो धनुषा युधि शात्रवान्।।।।
satyena lokān jayati dīnān dānena rāghavaḥ | gurūñ chuśrūṣayā vīro dhanuṣā yudhi śātravān ||
By truth Rāghava wins the people; by generosity he wins the poor; by devoted service he wins elders and teachers; and in battle the hero conquers enemies by the might of his bow.
Rama is a hero who wins over the people by his truthfulness, the poor by charity, the preceptors by his service and the enemies in the battle by the power of his bow.
Dharma is multi-dimensional: satya (truth), dāna (charity), guru-sevā (service to elders), and righteous valor together form ideal conduct.
Daśaratha enumerates Rāma’s virtues to demonstrate that he is fit for kingship and undeserving of exile.
Truthfulness (satya) is primary, supported by generosity, respectful service, and heroic competence.