Shloka 1.1.1

श्रीमद्रामायणकथासङ्क्षेपः / The Ramayana in Synopsis (Narada’s Summary to Valmiki)

Devanagari script

तपस्स्वाध्यायनिरतं तपस्वी वाग्विदां वरम् ।नारदं परिपप्रच्छ वाल्मीकिर्मुनिपुङ्गवम् ।।।।

Transliteration

tapassvādhyāyanirataṃ tapasvī vāgvidāṃ varam |

nāradaṃ paripapraccha vālmīkir munipuṅgavam ||1.1.1||

Translation

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

Context

Ascetic Valmiki enquired of Narada, pre-eminent among the sages ever engaged in the practice of religious austerities or study of the Vedas and best among the eloquent.

Characters & Entities

• Vālmīki
• Nārada

FAQs

What is the core ethical principle (Dharma) in this verse?

Dharma begins with disciplined inquiry: learning is grounded in tapas (self-restraint) and svādhyāya (study), and truth is sought respectfully from a qualified teacher.

What is the narrative situation?

At the very opening of the Rāmāyaṇa, sage Vālmīki approaches Nārada to ask a foundational question that will lead to the narration of Rāma’s life and ideals.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vālmīki’s humility and seriousness of purpose (seeking authoritative knowledge), and Nārada’s authority as an ascetic-scholar and master of eloquent teaching.