Shloka 1.1.98

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

Devanagari script

इदं पवित्रं पापघ्नं पुण्यं वेदैश्च सम्मितम् ।य: पठेद्रामचरितं सर्वपापै: प्रमुच्यते ।।।।

Transliteration

idaṃ pavitraṃ pāpaghnaṃ puṇyaṃ vedaiś ca sammitam |

yaḥ paṭhed rāmacaritaṃ sarvapāpaiḥ pramucyate ||

Translation

This account of Rāma is holy and purifying, a destroyer of sin and a bestower of merit—worthy to stand alongside the Vedas. Whoever recites the deeds of Rāma is freed from all sins.

Context

This story of Rama is sacred and holy. It destroys sins and is equal to the Vedas. Whosoever reads it will be freed from all sins.

Characters & Entities

• Rāma
• Vedas
• rāmacarita (Rāma’s deeds)

FAQs

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

Engagement with dharmic narrative is itself a discipline: reciting and internalizing Rāma’s life purifies conduct and aligns one with satya and dharma.

What is the narrative situation?

At the close of the opening synopsis, the text states the spiritual benefit (phala) of reading/reciting the Rāmacarita.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

The exemplary power of Rāma’s dharmic life—his story functions as a moral and spiritual model that removes wrongdoing through reflection and practice.