Shloka 1.2.23

द्वितीयः सर्गः — श्लोकप्रादुर्भावः (The Manifestation of the Śloka)

Devanagari script

आजगाम ततो ब्रह्मा लोककर्ता स्वयं प्रभु: ।चतुर्मुखो महातेजा द्रष्टुं तं मुनिपुङ्गवम् ।।1.2.23।।

Transliteration

ājagāma tato brahmā lokakartā svayaṃ prabhuḥ | caturmukho mahātejā draṣṭuṃ taṃ munipuṅgavam ||1.2.23||

Translation

At that time Brahmā—the four-faced, radiant Lord, creator of the worlds—came in person, wishing to see that foremost of sages.

Context

At that moment, the effulgent, four-faced Brahma, creator and lord of the world, himself, desirous of seeing him (Valmiki), the best among sages, arrived.

Characters & Entities

• Brahmā
• Vālmīki

FAQs

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

Dharma is portrayed as divinely supported: truthful, righteous narration of human conduct is worthy of divine attention and sanction.

What is the narrative situation?

Brahmā arrives to meet Vālmīki, setting the stage for the commissioning of the Rāmāyaṇa as itihāsa.

Which character virtue is emphasized?

Vālmīki’s spiritual stature—he is ‘foremost among sages,’ fit to receive divine instruction.