Narada in the Ramayana

Vālmīki—the foremost of sages—questioned Nārada, the ascetic ever devoted to austerity and Vedic study, and the best among the eloquent and learned.

Who indeed, in this world today, is endowed with excellence and valor—who knows dharma, is grateful, speaks truth, and is firm in his vows?

Who is that person endowed with noble conduct, who seeks the good of all beings; who is truly learned, capable, and whose appearance is pleasing to all?

Who is self-possessed? Who has conquered anger? Who is radiant and free from envy? And whose wrath, once aroused in battle, makes even the gods afraid?

I wish to hear of this; indeed my curiosity is great. O great seer, you are capable of knowing such a man of these qualities.

Having heard Vālmīki’s words, Nārada—knower of the three worlds—invited him, saying “Let it be heard,” and, delighted, began to speak.

O sage, the many qualities you have spoken of are indeed rare in men. Having discerned one who possesses them, I shall tell you—listen—of that man.

He (Rāma) is profoundly intelligent and grounded in ethical governance; eloquent and radiant with auspicious fortune; a destroyer of enemies. Broad-shouldered and mighty-armed, he bears a conch-like neck and a strong, prominent jaw.

Broad-chested, a wielder of the great bow, with well-knit collarbones, a subduer of foes; his arms reached to his knees, his head was noble, his forehead graceful, and his valor outstanding.

Neither too tall nor too short, with well-proportioned limbs and a radiant complexion, he was powerful; broad-chested, large-eyed, endowed with splendor, and marked by auspicious signs.

He knew dharma, was steadfast in truth, and was devoted to the welfare of his people; renowned, wise, pure, responsive to rightful guidance, and ever inwardly collected in purpose.

Splendid like Prajāpati, a sustainer and a destroyer of hostile forces, he was a guardian of living beings and a steadfast protector of dharma itself.

He guarded his own royal duty and protected his people; he knew the true import of the Vedas and their auxiliaries, and was firmly accomplished in the science of archery and warfare.

He knew the true purport of all teachings, possessed unfailing memory and keen insight; beloved of all, courteous and well-disposed, unshaken in spirit, and discerning in action.

Just as the ocean is constantly approached by rivers, he is always accessible to virtuous people. He is noble, treats everyone equally, and always possesses a delightful countenance.

And he—endowed with every virtue, increasing Kauśalyā’s joy—was like the ocean in depth, and like Himavān in steadfast courage.

In prowess he was like Viṣṇu; in pleasing appearance, like the moon. In anger, like the fire of dissolution; in patience, equal to the earth. In generosity, like Dhanada (Kubera); and in truth, like Dharma himself made manifest.

Seeing Rāma thus endowed with virtues—his valor grounded in truth—eldest, furnished with the finest qualities, and dear as Daśaratha’s son; devoted to the welfare of the people and eager for what pleases them, the lord of the earth, out of…

King Daśaratha—compelled by truthfulness to his word and restrained by the bond of duty—sent his beloved son Rāma into exile.

Sītā—Rāma’s beloved wife, ever as dear as his very life-breath and ever devoted to his welfare—was born in King Janaka’s lineage, as though fashioned by divine artistry. Endowed with every auspicious mark, the foremost among women and…