He is the refuge of all creatures, and competent to carry out the injunctions of his father. The eldest son of Dasaratha, he is foremost of all his sons in merit.
शरण्यः सर्वभूतानां पितुर्निर्देशपारगः। ज्येष्ठो दशरथस्यायं पुत्राणां गुणवत्तरः॥