Shloka 1.1.11

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

Devanagari script

समस्समविभक्ताङ्गस्स्निग्धवर्ण: प्रतापवान् ।पीनवक्षा विशालाक्षो लक्ष्मीवान् शुभलक्षणः ।। ।।

Transliteration

prajāpatisamaḥ śrīmān dhātā ripuniṣūdanaḥ |

rakṣitā jīvalokasya dharmasya parirakṣitā ||1.1.13||

Translation

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.

Context

Mighty and powerful, he has a well-proportioned body, neither tall nor short, shining complexion, well-developed chest, large eyes, lustrous body and good qualities.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Prajāpati
• Nārada
• Vālmīki

FAQs

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

Dharma is safeguarded through protection: sustaining life and restraining destructive forces are presented as complementary duties of righteous power.

What is the narrative situation?

Nārada frames Rāma not only as virtuous personally but as a cosmic-style guardian whose role is to uphold moral order.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Rakṣaṇa (protective guardianship): the capacity to preserve beings and uphold dharma through disciplined strength.