Valmiki Ramayana 2.21.29: Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 21, Shloka 29
अयोध्याकाण्डे एकविंशः सर्गः · Lakṣmaṇa’s militant counsel and Rāma’s dharma
based persuasion of Kausalyā
नास्ति शक्तिः पितुर्वाक्यं समतिक्रमितुं मम ।
प्रसादये त्वां शिरसा गन्तुमिच्छाम्यहं वनम् ॥२९॥
nāsti śaktiḥ pitur vākyaṃ samatikramituṃ mama |
prasādaye tvāṃ śirasā gantum icchāmy ahaṃ vanam ||29||
ข้าพเจ้าไม่มีอำนาจจะล่วงละเมิดพระดำรัสของพระบิดาได้ ข้าพเจ้าขอวิงวอนท่านด้วยเศียรน้อมต่ำ; ข้าพเจ้าปรารถนาจะไปสู่ป่า
I do not have the power to transgress the orders of my father. Bowing my head I beseech you, allow me to go to the forest.
FAQs
Rāma upholds dharma as fidelity to the father’s word (satya and pitr̥-ājñā), even when it causes personal and familial suffering.
Rāma responds to Kausalyā’s pleas by stating he cannot violate Daśaratha’s command and must proceed to the forest.
Integrity and obedience—Rāma’s unwavering commitment to truth and duty.
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