Ramayana — Ayodhya Kanda, Sarga 1, Shloka 6
गुणप्रशंसा–युवराजनिर्णयः
Praise of Rama’s Virtues and the Decision on the Heir-Apparent
तेषामपि महातेजा रामो रतिकरःपितुः।स्वयम्भूरिव भूतानां बभूव गुणवत्तरः।।।।
teṣām api mahātejā rāmo ratikaraḥ pituḥ |
svayambhūr iva bhūtānāṃ babhūva guṇavattaraḥ ||
তাদের মধ্যে মহাতেজস্বী রাম পিতার আনন্দের কারণ হলেন; যেমন সকল জীবের প্রতি স্বয়ম্ভূ ব্রহ্মা, তেমনি তিনি গুণে সর্বশ্রেষ্ঠ ছিলেন।
Even among them the brilliant Rama was a source of delight to his father like the Self-born (Brahma) to all living beings.
FAQs
Dharma as inner excellence: true worth is measured by guṇa (virtue) that benefits others—Rāma’s character becomes a source of joy and stability.
The narrator highlights Rāma’s preeminence among the brothers, explaining why he is especially cherished and later considered for royal responsibility.
Guṇavattā (abundance of virtues)—ethical excellence aligned with satya and benevolence.