Shloka 1.26.2
ताटकावधः (The Slaying of Tāṭakā)
पितुर्वचननिर्देशात्पितुर्वचनगौरवात्।
वचनं कौशिकस्येति कर्तव्यमविशङ्कया।।1.26.2।।
pitur vacananirdeśāt pitur vacanagauravāt | vacanaṃ kauśikasya iti kartavyam aviśaṅkayā ||1.26.2||
Because it is my father's command, out of reverence for his word, and because it is the instruction of Kausika, this must be done without hesitation.
"As I have to fulfill the command of my father and honour his words and the instruction of Kausika (Viswamitra), I shall execute it (kill Tataka) without hesitation.
Dharma is fidelity to rightful authority and to truth: honoring a father’s command and a guru-like sage’s instruction without wavering.
Before or during the Tāṭakā episode, Rāma states his resolve to act, grounding it in obedience to his father and to Viśvāmitra.
Rāma’s steadfastness (dhṛti) and commitment to satya—doing what duty requires, not what is emotionally easy.