Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 5, Shloka 4
अभिषेकोपवास-आदेशः
Coronation Preparations and the Fast Enjoined
तथेति च स राजानमुक्त्वा वेदविदां वरः।स्वयं वसिष्ठो भगवान्ययौ रामनिवेशनम्।।2.5.3।।उपवासयितुं रामं मन्त्रवन्मन्त्रकोविदः।ब्राह्मं रथवरं युक्तमास्थाय सुदृढव्रतः।।2.5.4।।
upavāsayituṃ rāmaṃ mantravan mantrakovidaḥ |
brāhmaṃ rathavaraṃ yuktam āsthāya sudṛḍhavrataḥ ||
Dalubhasa sa mga mantra at matatag sa panata, sumakay siya sa isang napakahusay na karwaheng angkop sa mga brāhmaṇa, na maayos ang pagkakayari at pagkakahila, upang—kasama ng mga banal na pormula—ipag-utos kay Rāma ang itinakdang pag-aayuno.
On seeing Vasistha the king descended from the throne and enquired whether he had performed the mission to which the ascetic replied affirmatively.
FAQs
Dharma is disciplined preparation for sacred duty: fasting and mantra-guided rites cultivate purity, restraint, and truth-aligned intention before major life and state transitions.
Vasiṣṭha sets out with ritual readiness to instruct Rāma to observe a fast as part of the impending ceremonial proceedings.
Steadfast observance (vrata), ritual competence, and responsible guidance by a guru/priest are highlighted.