Sunday, April 6, marks the final day of Chaitra Navratri, as well as the celebration of the birth of Lord Ram. In the Treta Yuga, on Chaitra Shukla Navami, Lord Vishnu incarnated as Ram, the son of King Dashrath, in Ayodhya. Through his life, Lord Ram imparted an important message to humanity: we must always maintain our dignity in every situation. One should never choose the path of unrighteousness. In one instance, Lord Ram taught that circumstances can change at any time, and we must face each situation with a positive mindset.
The Context of Lord Ram’s Message
King Dashrath had decided to crown Ram as the king of Ayodhya, and preparations for the royal coronation were underway. Everyone was filled with joy. Queen Kaikeyi, who deeply loved Ram, often suggested to King Dashrath that Ram should be crowned king. However, on the eve of the coronation, the servant Manthara filled Queen Kaikeyi’s mind with doubts.
On the night before the coronation, Queen Kaikeyi demanded two boons from King Dashrath: first, that Bharat should be made king, and second, that Ram should be exiled to the forest.
Dashrath tried to reason with Kaikeyi, explaining that Ram, being of a simple nature, would be happy to see Bharat as the king. But why, then, send him to the forest? Despite his pleas, Kaikeyi remained adamant. King Dashrath then called for Ram. When Ram arrived and saw his father in a state of distress and his mother Kaikeyi angry, he asked the reason. Kaikeyi explained that King Dashrath had to fulfill two promises made to her, one of which was that Ram should go into exile.
Ram, upon hearing this, replied, “If my parents are unhappy because of me, that is not good for me. Tell me what I should do?”
Kaikeyi insisted that Bharat must be crowned king, and Ram must go to the forest for 14 years. Upon hearing this, Ram smiled and said, “If Bharat is made king, it is a very good thing. If I get the opportunity to obey my parents’ wishes, it will be my fortune. I will meet many sages and saints in the forest. I am ready to follow your command.” At that moment, Dashrath remarked, “This is Ram, who does not deviate from his path in any situation.”
Teachings of Lord Ram
Lord Ram taught us that circumstances can change at any moment. Whether the situation is good or bad, we must remain positive and composed. Even in challenging situations, we should focus on what is beneficial for us. Only then can we experience happiness, peace, and success in life.
