Ramayan is an epic which inspired millions of lives and led the way of life to walk through Dharma with focus on love, family, friends and society. The common factor which bounded all these relations to do their individual duty and be united for Dharma was truth, and the leader who led inspiration to follow truth is Shri Ram. Shri Ram stands out as the epitome of truth, and he is reflected as the image of truth since times eternal.
As a habit – Truth has to be practised as a habit. Shri Ram acquired it so beautifully that it became his identity. The essence of truth lies just not in speaking it, but also following it through Man, Kram and Vachan, and this stands for him and also for all those who served him and loved him.
As a fact – Shri Ram accepted truth as a fact that it is up to him to fulfil the boons that Maharaj Dasarath has given to Kaikeyi. The greatest test of truth comes only in hardships, and although he could avoid those hardships, he instead accepts them and stands for truth. It is not only Shri Ram, but also Maharaj Dasarath who accepted truth as a fact. In spite of knowing the boons of Queen Kaikeyi would separate him from Shri Ram, he still bounds to the fact that he has to fulfil the boons. He forgoes his life because of separation from Shri Ram, but does not leave following truth till his last breath.
As a form of purity – For keeping his father’s word, Shri Ram leaves to the forest and wholeheartedly gives the kingdom to Bharat. But Bharat as an ardent devotee of Shri Ram also stands for the truth. In fact, Bharat re instates the truth to Queen Kaikeyi that it is only Shri Ram who is actual heir of the kingdom, and imposes self-exile upon him. His sacrifice is so great, that Shri Ram calls him the representation of Dharma and the greatest brother of all four.
As strength – This is the greatest truth for Lakshman. He sacrifices all his comforts to serve Shri Ram. His devotion and sacrifice gives him immense strength to fight the greatest warrior of the times, Indrajeet. After a mighty battle, Lakshman aims his arrow at Indrajeet and says that if Shri Ram always speaks the truth, and he has served his brother truthfully, then the arrow which he aims at Indrajeet would kill him and it did. Such is the strength of truth.
As deliverance – Mata Sita goes through immense hardships in Lanka. She suffers from heat, cold, rain and all the threats from Ravan too, but does not even for a second remove her heart and mind from the thoughts of Shri Ram. The love for Shri Ram is the ultimate truth of her life, and that is what she believes in. When she is asked to go through the trail of fire, it is the same truth which supports her and delivers her again back safely into the hands of
Shri Ram.
Truth is the light which shines without end. Shri Ram faces all obstacles with the virtue of truth and emerges victorious in a way that inspired mankind to understand that truth controls this world and Dharma is the truth. This light of truth continues and will ever continue in further generations too proves Ramayan.