Shloka 1.1.4

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

Devanagari script

आत्मवान्को जितक्रोधो द्युतिमान्कोऽनसूयक: ।कस्य बिभ्यति देवाश्च जातरोषस्य संयुगे ।।।।

Transliteration

ātmavān ko jitakrodho dyutimān ko ’nasūyakaḥ |

kasya bibhyati devāś ca jātarōṣasya saṃyuge ||

Translation

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?

Context

Who (among men) is self-restrained? Who has conquered anger? Who is endowed with brilliance and free from envy? Who is that when exited to wrath even the devatas, are afraid of (let alone foes)?

Characters & Entities

• Devas (gods)
• Nārada (implied as speaker)
• Vālmīki (implied as recipient)

FAQs

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

The dharmic ideal integrates inner discipline (self-control, freedom from envy) with righteous strength: power is legitimate when governed by restraint and moral clarity.

What is the narrative situation?

At the opening of the epic, Nārada asks Vālmīki to identify a person who embodies the highest virtues—setting up Rāma as the exemplar.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Mastery of anger and envy alongside radiance and formidable righteous strength—an ethical ideal rather than mere martial prowess.