Shloka 1.1.8

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

Devanagari script

इक्ष्वाकुवंशप्रभवो रामो नाम जनैश्श्रुत: ।नियतात्मा महावीर्यो द्युतिमान्धृतिमान् वशी ।।।।

Transliteration

ikṣvāku-vaṃśa-prabhavo rāmo nāma janaiḥ śrutaḥ | niyatātmā mahā-vīryo dyutimān dhṛtimān vaśī ||

Translation

Rāma, born in the Ikṣvāku line, is renowned among the people—self-restrained, of mighty valor, radiant, steadfast, and master of his senses.

Context

People have heard his name as Rama, who was born in the race of king Ikshvaku,having steady nature, possessing incomprehensible prowess, self-effulgent, self-commanding and subjecting senses under his control.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Ikṣvāku dynasty (Ikṣvāku-vaṃśa)

FAQs

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

Dharma is grounded in inner discipline: the verse frames righteous leadership as self-mastery—control of mind and senses—rather than mere power.

What is the narrative situation?

Nārada introduces Rāma’s identity and defining qualities as part of his concise overview of the epic’s hero.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Niyatātmatā (self-regulation), dhṛti (steadfast endurance), and vaśitā (sense-control), presented as the foundation of Rāma’s public renown and capability.