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Test of fidelity

CHENNAI : An upright person's allegiance to Dharma is put to test in life situations. It is easy to be steadfast to righteousness when there are no conflicting reasons to compromise on it but human life is riddled with unexpected developments, and hence even the most resolute advocate of Dharma has to be vigilant if he wants to be faithful to it. The Ramayana portrays this truth through the character of Dasaratha when he was on the horns of a dilemma at Sage Viswamitra's request to send Rama with him to protect his sacrifice from the ogres, which were disrupting it.

In his discourse, Sri N.Veezhinathan said when Viswamitra visited Ayodhya Dasaratha welcomed him ceremoniously with great joy that such a renowned sage had chosen to grace his kingdom. The king was magnanimous at heart and celebrated for his righteousness, which can be seen from the fact that the Lord chose to be born as his son. Dasaratha without even waiting for the sage to express the purpose of his visit told him on his own accord, "I consider your advent precisely as welcome as securing nectar in one's own hands... You are deserving of (every) service from me and have called (at my door) through my good luck... My birth stands fulfilled and my life is blessed today. You need not entertain any doubt about the success of your mission. I shall fully accomplish your object for (being an honoured guest) you are a (veritable) god to me." The sage was naturally delighted that his task was made easier.

So one can imagine the king's reaction when Viswamitra expressed the reason for his visit. The epic states that the king started trembling and fainted for Rama was his very life. When he regained his consciousness after a long time, he begged the sage to spare his dear son who was but a child, and offered instead to accompany him and place his forces at his disposal. The sage who was known for his temper flew into a rage saying that having promised to grant the object of his visit he was going back on his word. Vasishta had to then intervene to make the king, who was blinded by attachment, see reason. He told Dasaratha that having born in the line of Ikshwakus he ought not flout Dharma and cautioned that he would lose the merit of the sacrifices he had performed if he did not redeem his word. He told that Rama would stand to benefit by accompanying the sage. Finally the king agreed.

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