Ramayana — Bala Kanda, Sarga 2, Shloka 32
द्वितीयः सर्गः — श्लोकप्रादुर्भावः
The Manifestation of the Śloka
धर्मात्मनो गुणवतो लोके रामस्य धीमत: ।वृत्तं कथय धीरस्य यथा ते नारदाच्छ्रुतम् ।।1.2.32।।
dharmātmano guṇavato loke rāmasya dhīmataḥ | vṛttaṃ kathaya dhīrasya yathā te nāradāc chrutam || 1.2.32 ||
Narrate the life of Rāma—righteous-souled, virtuous, and wise, steadfast in this world—just as you have heard it from Nārada.
Narrate the history of Rama who is renowned for righteousness, virtues, wisdom and steadfastness in the manner you have heard it from sage Narada.
FAQs
Dharma is presented as the defining essence of Rāma and as the standard for narration: the epic must faithfully convey righteous conduct as heard from a reliable source.
Brahmā directs Vālmīki to recount Rāma’s story according to the account previously received from Nārada.
Rāma’s dharma-centered character—virtue, wisdom, and steadfastness.