Shloka 1.1.15

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

Devanagari script

सर्वशास्त्रार्थतत्त्वज्ञस्स्मृतिमान्प्रतिभानवान् ।सर्वलोकप्रियस्साधुरदीनात्मा विचक्षणः ।।।।

Transliteration

paṭhan dvijo vāgṛṣabhatvam īyāt syāt kṣatriyo bhūmipatitvam īyāt |

vaṇigjanaḥ paṇyaphalatvam īyāt janaś ca śūdro 'pi mahatvam īyāt ||1.1.100||

Translation

By reciting this, a brāhmaṇa attains excellence in learning and speech; a kṣatriya attains lordship over the land; a vaiśya gains the fruits of trade; and even a śūdra attains greatness.

Context

Sri Rama knows the true meaning of all scriptures and has a retentive memory. He is talented (possessing brightness of conception). He is beloved and well-disposed towards all people (and courteous even towards those who have done him harm). He has an unperturbed mind (even in times of extreme grief) and is circumspect (in doing right things at the right time).

Characters & Entities

• dvija (brāhmaṇa)
• kṣatriya
• vaṇigjana (vaiśya)
• śūdra
• Rāmāyaṇa (implied)

FAQs

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

Study of an itihāsa that centers dharma and satya is portrayed as universally elevating—granting excellence appropriate to one’s station while affirming moral uplift for all.

What is the narrative situation?

This is the closing benediction-style ‘phalaśruti’ of the sarga, stating the benefits of reading or reciting the Rāmāyaṇa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Śravaṇa–adhyayana (listening/recitation and study) as a dhārmic discipline that refines speech, conduct, and worldly responsibility.