Shloka 1.1.18

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

Devanagari script

विष्णुना सदृशो वीर्ये सोमवत्प्रियदर्शनः ।कालाग्निसदृशः क्रोधे क्षमया पृथिवीसमः ।।।।धनदेन समस्त्यागे सत्ये धर्म इवापरः ।

Transliteration

viṣṇunā sadṛśo vīrye somavat priyadarśanaḥ | kālāgnisadṛśaḥ krodhe kṣamayā pṛthivīsamaḥ || dhanadena samas tyāge satye dharma ivāparaḥ ||

Translation

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.

Context

Sri Rama is like Visnu in prowess, the Moon in pleasing appearance, the all-consuming fire in anger, the earth in patience, Kubera in chartiy and the Sun in steadfastness.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Viṣṇu
• Soma (Moon)
• Kālāgni (cosmic fire)
• Pṛthivī (Earth)
• Dhanada (Kubera)
• Dharma

FAQs

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

The verse frames dharma as a harmony of powers: strength restrained by patience, rightful anger against wrong, generosity, and unwavering truth (satya).

What is the narrative situation?

Nārada continues his portrait of Rāma, using divine analogies to communicate the ethical ideal of a righteous ruler.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Truthfulness (satya) and righteousness (dharma) as defining traits, supported by patience and principled strength.