Jabali is a priest of Dasharatha's court who, at Chitrakoot, argues like a sceptic that Rama owes nothing to his dead father and should take the throne. Rama rejects his view and defends truth as the root of dharma.
RoleSage
Appears inRamayana
GroupRishis and sages
KingdomAyodhya
First appearsAyodhya Kanda, Sarga 108
Sargas2 in the Valmiki Ramayana
Frequently asked questions
What did Jabali argue at Chitrakoot?
That rites for the dead are meaningless and Rama should take the kingdom.
How did Rama answer Jabali?
He defended truth and keeping one's word as the foundation of dharma.
Sources
- Valmiki Ramayana, Ayodhya Kanda (sargas 2.108, 2.109)
Read our editorial policy on how scripture, Purana and folk tradition are labelled.
Continue exploring
Open the explorer
