Dharmajna: The Righteous Nature of Lord Rama

With Rama Navami approaching, we reflect on another divine quality of Lord Rama, Dharmajna, one who perfectly understands and lives by dharma.

We have seen how Lord Rama’s character and strength are extraordinary. Yet what truly sets Him apart is His unwavering commitment to righteousness, even when it demands personal sacrifice.

This is most beautifully seen at the time when He was to be crowned as the king of Ayodhya. The entire kingdom was filled with joy and anticipation. But in a sudden turn of events, due to the words of Kaikeyi, everything changed.

Instead of the throne, Rama was asked to leave for the forest for fourteen years.

In that moment, He did not protest, argue, or resist. There was no trace of bitterness or anger. With complete composure, He accepted the decision, joyfully and gracefully, not reluctantly, but as His duty, to honour the word of His father, Dasharatha.

Not only did He accept the exile so gracefully, but He also pacified those around Him. When Lakshmana and Kaushalya were overcome with grief, Rama gently reassured them, remaining steady in His understanding of dharma.

As the Supreme Personality of Godhead, Lord Rama is transcendental to the laws of karma, being their very source, He is never bound by them. He is not compelled to act in any way. Whatever He does is out of His own free will. Such seemingly unfavorable situations arise only so that He may set an example through His conduct, showing how one should act with steadiness and adherence to dharma even in difficulty.

This was not an ordinary act of obedience. It was the expression of a deep and unwavering understanding of what is right, beyond personal comfort or loss.

Today, when even the slightest inconvenience can disturb us, Lord Rama gave up what was rightfully His, something He was fully deserving of, yet remained completely steady and composed.

In our own lives, things may not always go as planned. But like Lord Rama, we can choose how we respond. By remaining steady and acting with sincerity, we take a step closer to living a life guided by dharma.

On this auspicious occasion of Rama Navami, you may also participate in the celebrations by offering your support and seva at ISKCON Bhiwandi.

Please visit: https://www.iskconbhiwandi.org/ram