Shloka 1.1.53

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

Devanagari script

गृध्रं च निहतं दृष्ट्वा हृतां श्रुत्वा च मैथिलीम् ।।।।राघवश्शोकसन्तप्तो विललापाकुलेन्द्रिय: ।

Transliteration

śrutvā caitat trilokajño vālmīker nārado vacaḥ | śrūyatām iti cāmantṛya prahṛṣṭo vākyam abravīt ||

Translation

Having heard Vālmīki’s words, Nārada—knower of the three worlds—invited him, saying, “Let it be heard,” and, delighted, began to speak.

Context

Having seen and heard from the eagle Jatayu struck down by Ravana that Sita had been abducted Rama bewailed, choked with tears his senses dulled by distress.

Characters & Entities

• Nārada
• Vālmīki
• triloka (three worlds)

FAQs

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

Dharma here is reverent transmission of true knowledge: the sage responds responsibly and joyfully to a sincere inquiry, establishing that sacred learning should be shared with clarity and goodwill.

What is the narrative situation?

In the opening frame of the epic, Vālmīki asks about the ideal man; Nārada, after hearing him, signals that he will answer and begins his summary.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Nārada’s virtue of truthful instruction (satya-upadeśa) and benevolent readiness to guide a seeker.